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
Depicting cloth dyeing, a woman's activity.
Cultural context
craft; tourist art
Physical description
Figures representing a woman with a baby in a sling tied to her waist. She is sitting on a stool with her left leg outstretched in front of her and her right leg bent backwards at the knee. She is wearing a sleeved dress and is dipping cloth into a pot. Dress and baby sling are light yellow-brown. Heads, woman's limbs, and stool are dark brown. The pot, cloth, and woman's hands are very dark blue. The base is light brown wood.
Date Made
Before 1972
Date Acquired
8 Feb 1980
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
Measurements
Overall: 7.9 cm x 7.8 cm x 4 cm
Object Number
Af411