Ndima 1
Tarisa maoko emhizha anoshanda nemwoyo murefu,
Behold the artisan's hands working with patient devotion,
Anobata ivhu rerondo rikava hari inobwinya.
Touching river clay until it becomes a gleaming pot.
Anoveza dombo dema kusvikira ranyemwerera,
Chiseling dark serpentine stone until it smiles with life,
Achiruka tsanga dzemurwizi kuita rusero netswanda!
And weaving river reeds into winnowing trays and baskets!
Ndima 2
Muchoto chemupfuri simbi tsvuku inova badza nembira,
In the blacksmith's forge glowing iron becomes hoe and mbira key,
Zvinorima munda nekutinhira nziyo dzemufaro.
Tilling the fertile fields and ringing out songs of joy.
Maoko anoziva kushanda haambofi akarara nenzara,
Hands that honour honest craft never go hungry,
Utsanzi hwemaoko chipo chinokomborera musha wose!
For skilled artisanship is a gift that blesses the whole community!
💡 Mashoko Anokosha (Key Vocabulary):
| ChiShona |
How to say it (Pronunciation) |
English Meaning |
| Mhizha |
MHEE-zhah |
Master craftsperson, blacksmith, or sculptor |
| Utsanzi |
oo-TSAH-nzee |
Fine craftsmanship, artistic skill |
| Rondo |
ROH-ndoh |
Smooth riverbank potting clay |
| Kuveza |
koo-VEH-zah |
To carve wood or sculpt stone |
🌱 Chidzidzo cheHupenyu (Moral / Reflection):
ChiShona: Shandisa chipo chemaoko ako nechido; basa remaoko rinounza chiremera.
English: Use the gift of your hands with dedication; honest craftsmanship brings lasting dignity.