Factor Zira
Factor Zira, born on the 3rd November 1954 in Guruve, an area that is in the Northern part of Zimbabwe. He is married with 3 girls and 4 boys. His totem is ´´Mhofu´´, the Eland.
He did his primary education in 1961 up to standard 6 at Nyamhondoro Primary School. He did not go further with secondary education, because his parents could not afford to pay school fees. Like most Shona boys, he grew up herding cattle and helping his parents in the fields. He worked as an assistant builder until 1976 when he became a full time builder and had his own contract.
Factor was introduced to sculpturing by the late Henry Munyaradzi, who was a well-known master of the first generation sculptor, when he married Henry´s daughter in 1979. He was so inspired by Henry´s work that he asked Henry to teach him. In 1982 he was able to do sculpturing without Henry´s help.
His work was being sold by Genesis Gallery, which was located in Harare. In 1984 - 1985 Factor stopped sculpturing and returned to building. Henry later encouraged him again when he was employed by him to sell Henry´s sculpture. From there he became a part time sculptor until his mentor passed away on the 27th of February 1998. Now he is a full time sculptor and his art have been sold to many European countries. His sculpture can also be found at Stone Heritage Gallery, Chapungu Sculpture Park.
Factor´s ambition is to become a well know sculptor like his mentor, Henry of Tengenenge.
Artist Sculpture:
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