I originally contacted Doug after I decided to include African sculptures in the fair trade gallery I was opening in Naples, Florida, USA. I did a considerable amount of research as to the types and opportunities to procure African works of art, and I was most impressed by the way Mr. Dicker not only presented his artists and their sculptures, but also by his outreach to the Zimbabwean people. I have read numerous tales of Doug’s good doings for his carvers and their families, primarily by providing medical support when individuals become ill. Not all the stories have happy endings, but after all it is Zimbabwe, and the medical infrastructure and local politics are not conducive to an efficient delivery of care.
After many emails that contained procedures and recommendations for obtaining Shona sculptures from his supply, I selected my first order of two crates, or approximately four cubic meters. Doug provided me with multiple pictures of each sculpture and descriptions of the stones that were used to create the pieces. He took the time to carefully pack the sculptures into two large handmade wooden crates to be transported from Harare, Zimbabwe to Durban, South Africa where they were containerized and loaded on a ship to cross the Atlantic and on to Newark, New Jersey, USA and on to me in Florida.
After receipt of the sculptures Doug provided me with counsel on pricing, the display of the sculptures and the care and maintenance of the stone art. Doug even went so far as to send me a can of the preferred African polish to ensure the sculptures always shine brilliantly. I would have to say that Doug Dicker and Masvingo Sculptures are “brilliant” as well! I would recommend Masvingo Sculptures to anyone who is interested in the fine Shona sculptures from Zimbabwe.