Thorn Carving

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.

craft; tourist art

Figure representing a woman sitting on a cylindrical stool selling yams. There is a child in a sling tied to her back. She is wearing a short sleeved dress. The dress, sling, and stool are light yellow-brown. Yams, figures' heads, and limbs are dark brown. On a wood base that is light brown.