Thorn Carving Item Number: Af364 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Ritual scene consisting of two figures representing people, a sheep-like animal, and a bearded mask resting against a low wall. One figure is lying prone before the mask while the other is standing holding an animal on a lead. Prone figure is wearing a pointed cap. Both figures are wearing short-sleeved shirts and short pants. Mask has three horns protruding from the forehead. Centre horn supports smaller human mask facing opposite direction. One horn, heads, legs, arms, and masks are dark brown. One horn, clothes, and animal are light yellow-brown. One horn, and cap are red-brown. Platform is covered with variegated thorn chips.

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

Iconographic Meaning

The scene depicts Ifa-related practices—salutation, sacrifice and offering.

Item History

What

Name
Thorn Carving
Identification Number
Af364
Type of Item
carving
Material
egun thorn, wood, fibre, rice adhesive and atum thorn
Manufacturing Technique
carved and glued
Overall
height 9.2 cm, width 11.0 cm, depth 10.5 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
fair
Accession Number
0590/0050