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

Figures representing two standing people holding umbrellas and bowing to one another. Both figures are wearing short-sleeved shirts and knee-length trousers. The umbrella tops, heads, arms, and legs are dark brown. Clothes are light yellow-brown. The base and umbrella shanks are brown wood.