Vintage Shona Verdite Hippo With A Calming Expression

A beautifully vintage carved verdite hippo, sourced from South Africa and shaped in the classic rounded style associated with Shona stone carving. His smooth, fat‑bellied form and quietly smiling expression give him a wonderfully calm presence, the sort of piece that feels instantly at home wherever you place him.

Verdite is a naturally occurring green stone prized for its depth of colour and soft satin polish. This hippo shows those qualities perfectly: rich mossy greens, subtle tonal shifts, and a tactile finish that invites you to pick him up. At 19 cm long, he’s a substantial sculpture with real character and weight.

In Southern African folklore, the hippo is seen as a gentle guardian, a symbol of protection, grounded strength, and quiet good fortune. Whether or not you believe in such things, there’s something undeniably comforting about his  rounded belly and his placid little face.

A charming, well‑made vintage piece that brings warmth, humour, and a touch of heritage to a shelf, desk, or console table.

📏 Dimensions

• Length: 19 cm

• Height: 10 cm

• Width: 6 cm

🧱 Materials

• Verdite stone (South Africa)

✨ Condition

• Vintage

• Excellent condition

• Smooth, polished finish with natural variations in the stone

💚 Care Notes

• Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth

• Avoid harsh chemicals

• Keep away from prolonged moisture