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
Represents a ritual scene of a mask by a palm tree.
Cultural context
craft; tourist art
Physical description
Palm tree on round platform covered with wood chips. Figure representing a man is holding a rope over his right shoulder while bending down to a ritual mask at a shrine. Mask holds four horns and a small vessel. Second mask leaning against the mound of wood chips has two horns and a vessel on top. Man is wearing knee-length trousers, a short-sleeved shirt, and a round hat. Palm tree, masks, platform, rope, four horns, head, arms, and legs are dark brown. Pants, trousers, and larger vessels are light yellow-brown. Hat, three horns, small vessel, and top of palm tree are light red-brown.
Categories
Date Made
Before 1972
Date Acquired
8 Feb 1980
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
Measurements
Overall: 18.7 cm x 9.9 cm x 9.9 cm
Object Number
Af365