OUR COLLECTION — AFRICA — NIGERIA 16. THORNWOOD NATIVITY WITH MUSICIANS
This Nativity is hand-carved in the interior of Nigeria in the tradition of handicrafts that have been produced in this area for centuries. The folk art of this region of Africa specializes in roughhewn wood crafts and textiles. Only in the last couple hundred years has Christian iconography been accepted as an appropriate subject for artisans in the interior of countries like Nigeria.
Thornwood carving is believed to have begun in Owo, Nigeria by Justus D. Akeredolu, a craft teacher at a government school in the 1930s. He wanted to find a substance that was easy to carve and suitable for small detail. He began experimenting with the wood from the thorns of the silk cotton tree. He taught the craft of carving from this wood to his students, and today it survives as a narrative craft of detail and skill. Mr. Akeredolu’s original sculptures featured everyday scenes from life in Nigeria.
In addition to the Holy Family, the shepherd with two sheep, the angel, and three wise men with gifts, this set includes seven villagers each playing a drum or other instrument. The birth of Jesus definitely warranted a seven-piece band! The largest figure measures 3 inches tall.
Thornwood carving is believed to have begun in Owo, Nigeria by Justus D. Akeredolu, a craft teacher at a government school in the 1930s. He wanted to find a substance that was easy to carve and suitable for small detail. He began experimenting with the wood from the thorns of the silk cotton tree. He taught the craft of carving from this wood to his students, and today it survives as a narrative craft of detail and skill. Mr. Akeredolu’s original sculptures featured everyday scenes from life in Nigeria.
In addition to the Holy Family, the shepherd with two sheep, the angel, and three wise men with gifts, this set includes seven villagers each playing a drum or other instrument. The birth of Jesus definitely warranted a seven-piece band! The largest figure measures 3 inches tall.