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

Standing figure representing a man wearing knee-length trousers and beating a small drum (membranophone) which is suspended by a leather thong around his neck. Light yellow-brown pants, sticks, and head of drum. Dark brown head, body, limbs, and body of drum. The base is light brown wood stained brown on bottom.