mchongaji
mchoh-NGAH-jee
How to say it
Swahilimchongajimchoh-NGAH-jeesoon
Englishcarver, sculptorsoon
Frenchsculpteursoon
Meaning
An artist or craftsman who shapes wood, stone or other material into figures and objects, such as the Makonde carvers of southern Tanzania.
Good to know
M/wa class noun, plural wachongaji, from kuchonga, to carve. Mchongaji wa vinyago is a carver of figures; the craft is uchongaji.
Examples
- Mchongaji huyu hutengeneza vinyago vya mpingo.This carver makes figures out of ebony.
- Wachongaji wa Kimakonde wanajulikana duniani.The Makonde carvers are known around the world.
- Baba yake alikuwa mchongaji hodari wa mawe.His father was a skilled stone sculptor.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.