Thorn Carving Item Number: Af361 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

A small carving of a dug-out canoe containing three adult figures, one at either ends paddling while one is in the centre carrying a child on her back. Cargo consists of six vegetables in the bow, two pots between the first and the second figures and two piles of material that appear to be wood or stone between the second and the third figures. Paddlers are wearing sleeveless shirts over shorts and brimmed hats. Figure in the centre is wearing a short-sleeved dress and a tall spiral hat. Vegetables, wood/stone, and human figures are dark brown. Pots and clothing are light yellow-brown. Canoe and paddles are a very light yellow-brown.

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.

Cultural Context

craft; tourist art

Item History

What

Name
Thorn Carving
Identification Number
Af361
Type of Item
carving
Material
atum thorn, rice adhesive, wood and egun thorn
Manufacturing Technique
carved and glued
Overall
height 9.8 cm, width 31.5 cm, depth 7.0 cm

Who

Culture
Yoruba
Previous Owner
Andrew Stewart and Jessie Stewart
Received from
Andrew Stewart (Donor) and Jessie Stewart (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Nigeria

When

Creation Date
before 1972
Collection Date
during 1972
Ownership Date
before February 8, 1980
Acquisition Date
on February 8, 1980

Other

Item Classes
carvings & sculpture
Condition
good
Accession Number
0590/0047