Thorn Carving
About this object
History of use
Thorn carvings are miniatures depicting scenes from Nigerian life. This type of carving began circa 1930. Thorns vary in size. They can be as large as 12.7 cm. long and 9.6 cm. wide. They are comparatively soft and easily carved. The light yellow-brown thorn and the dark brown thorn come from the Ata tree; the light red-brown thorn comes from Egun trees. The parts are glued together with viscous paste made from rice cooked with water. They are carved by men.
Narrative
Depicts yam pounding, a woman's activity.
Cultural context
craft; tourist art
Physical description
Three standing figures representing women. Two are bareheaded and one is wearing a soft pointed hat. One has a baby tied to her waist and the others are holding pounders over two pots on the ground. The clothing, baby sling, double-ended pounders, and solid based pot are light yellow-brown. Heads, limbs, and pot on three-legged stand are dark brown. Hat and short pounder is light red-brown. The base is light brown wood.
Categories
Date Made
Before 1972
Date Acquired
8 Feb 1980
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
Measurements
Overall: 12 cm x 9 cm x 8.5 cm
Object Number
Af413