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Yoruba Thorn Wood Figures - Music & Performance 2

£65.00

These carved thorn wood figures originates from the Yoruba cultural region of Nigeria and date from the mid-to-late 20th century. The figure depicts a moment of everyday life, rendered with a simplified but expressive form that emphasises posture and movement.

The surface shows natural wear consistent with age and material, with a warm, matte patina developed through handling. Minor restoration has been undertaken where required to stabilise the carving, without obscuring signs of age.

Each figure is hand-carved and unique, making small variations and imperfections an essential part of its character.

These figures celebrate music as a central element of Yoruba cultural life. Simplified forms and exaggerated stances suggest movement and sound, allowing the viewer to imagine rhythm and performance beyond the static object. Displayed together, they create a strong sense of energy and communal gathering.

These carved thorn wood figures originates from the Yoruba cultural region of Nigeria and date from the mid-to-late 20th century. The figure depicts a moment of everyday life, rendered with a simplified but expressive form that emphasises posture and movement.

The surface shows natural wear consistent with age and material, with a warm, matte patina developed through handling. Minor restoration has been undertaken where required to stabilise the carving, without obscuring signs of age.

Each figure is hand-carved and unique, making small variations and imperfections an essential part of its character.

These figures celebrate music as a central element of Yoruba cultural life. Simplified forms and exaggerated stances suggest movement and sound, allowing the viewer to imagine rhythm and performance beyond the static object. Displayed together, they create a strong sense of energy and communal gathering.

Additional Information

  • Origin: Yoruba region, Nigeria

  • Date: Circa 1970s

  • Material: Thorn wood

  • Condition: Age-related wear; some figures sympathetically restored

  • The figures aresold in curated groups, as described

Display Suggestions

These figures work particularly well:

  • Displayed in small groups on shelves or cabinets

  • As part of a curated folk art or ethnographic collection

  • In a cabinet of curiosities or study

  • Alongside books, textiles, or ceramics from West Africa

Grouped together, they create a strong sense of narrative and movement