Forgotten Sculpures of Tengenenge
In December 2012, when Tom Blomefield visited littleZIM in Birkenried he told us about the forgotten sculptures for the first time. For centuries artists have been working at Tengenenge. They had different motivations and success. Accommodation, raw stones and running water were provided by Tom and so they had the opportunity to experience their talents in the art of sculpting. Some artists stayed, others moved into town or gave up and left their unfinished sculptures behind.
From time to time these left and forgotten sculptures were deposited in the fields where grass grew over them. Some years ago Tom decided to recover them and Nimrod Phiri and others from Tengenenge managed to find approx. 1000 forgotten sculptures.
In spring in 2014 Tom Blomefield, Helmut Schlaiß and Franz-L. Keck set out to trace and record these forgotten sculptures. Together with members of the Tengenenge village-community (Robert, Wasiri Amoli and Michael Kasvinge and others) the objects were cleaned, sorted, categorized and then photographed. During these activities further pieces were discovered within and close to the compound.
After this busy week an unforgettable party was celebrated. An ox, a goat and several chicken were slaughtered and the visitors and locals had a great time with eating, dancing and exchanging opinions and ideas. On this occasion Tom was also able to meet his long time compatriot and friend Amali Maloli (the 100 year old) for the last time.
On this page we want to show you photos of this adventure as well as the recovered pieces. 133 of them were brought to Birkenried and can be seen and acquired whereby a certain amount of the proceeds will go back to Tengenenge.