Nigerian thorn‑wood carving, a distinctive folk‑art form created primarily by the Yoruba people. Crafted from the thorny branches of the wild cotton tree (varieties like ata or egungun), these thorns—naturally red, cream, or brown—are carved into miniature figures depicting everyday Yoruba life.
Description:
This is a hand-carved wooden sculpture made from thorn wood, depicting a seated male figure engaged in a traditional activity. The figure sits on a low stool, holding a small round bowl in his right hand and positioned beside a large, rounded clay pot. The pot rests on the ground in front of him, suggesting a scene of drinking, serving, or performing a ritual. The figure is dressed in a simple, short-sleeved tunic, and his facial features are stylized with exaggerated eyes, lips, and a bald head, characteristic of Nigerian folk carving styles. The composition captures a moment of everyday life or communal tradition in Nigerian culture.
Source: Oweh Art Gallery. Palm Wine Tapper II, Thorn Wood, Private collection, Benin city
HIGHPOLY MODEL INCLUDED IN ADDITIONAL FILES