Thorn Carving Item Number: Af415 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

A representation of a rectangular church with six rounded arched windows, a rounded door, and a cross at either end of the pitched roof. The roof is covered with variegated shavings. The interior is furnished with three benches, a lectern, and a table. The standing figure is in an ankle length robe and is in front of a book on the lectern. There are six sitting figures, two to each bench, wearing short-sleeved shirts and shorts. The sides, and the front of the church, and the benches are yellow-brown. The figures, bench supports, and crosses are dark brown. Clothing and book are 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
Af415
Type of Item
carving
Material
egun thorn, atum thorn, rice adhesive and wood
Manufacturing Technique
carved and glued
Overall
height 20.7 cm, width 17.5 cm, depth 28.0 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
0590/0101