Moses Kalembela

Engraver

Wonai_Haruperi©Michelangelo_Foundation

Scrimshaw and more to celebrate Zimbabwe

Moses is a multi-disciplinary artisan
His father is a renowned master woodcarver
He hosts workshops and lectures to share his craft

Moses Kalembela was born into a creative family. As a child, he would help his father with his work, learning the basics of carving and drawing. When he finished high school there was no question of “not following a craft-based career because I could not see myself doing anything else… it has been organic in a way.” Moses is largely self-taught, expanding his horizons by working with other artists, learning new skills, and being inspired by them. Drawing on his heritage, the first object Moses created was a scrimshaw design on an ostrich egg. Scrimshaw is not his only practice, he is skilled in a variety of other mediums including illustration. Moses set up his studio in 2006 and seeks to help put his country on the map of artistic craftsmanship.

Interview

Wonai_Haruperi©Michelangelo_Foundation

Wonai_Haruperi©Michelangelo_Foundation

How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: I combine old techniques and the traditional patterns of my heritage with contemporary forms. Also, scrimshaw was traditionally done on whale bone and ivory, materials that have since been banned. I use sustainably sourced materials like horn, cow bone, wood, and even stone.
What is one thing about your work that people do not normally know?: Although scrimshaw was a technique introduced by 18th-19th-century explorers, local people already had and were using a similar technique to carve surfaces like ostrich eggs. My work combines both the introduced and local techniques with the traditional applications of my heritage.
What is a memorable moment in your working life?: Collaborating with internationally renowned fashion designer John Ablaza put my artwork on the global stage and showed that there is a lot of talent in Zimbabwe. The experience taught me to appreciate my heritage and where I come from, and I hope we keep getting such platforms to show the world what we are capable of.
Why does transmitting your skills to young people matter to you?: I am always willing to share my skill and knowledge with others. It is important to me because the way I share with other people is how I got to learn and know my craft. So, I feel that if I am sharing with others, I am building something.

Moses Kalembela is a master artisan: he began his career in 2005 and he started teaching in 2005