Yoruba Thorn Wood Figures, Nigeria

Collection Overview

This collection of carved thorn wood figures originates from the Yoruba cultural region of southwestern Nigeria and dates most likely to the mid-to-late 20th century, circa the 1970s. The figures depict scenes of everyday life, work, travel, music, carrying goods, domestic tasks, rendered with a directness and economy of form that is characteristic of Yoruba tourist and export carvings of the period.

Carved from thorn wood, a dense but fragile material, these figures were produced individually by hand. Each carries subtle variations in posture, expression, and proportion, giving the group a strong sense of rhythm and narrative when displayed together.

Collected as a single group, they offer a snapshot of social life and labour, distilled into small, tactile sculptural forms.

Material & Craft

Thorn wood was widely used by Yoruba carvers in the mid-20th century due to its availability and fine grain, but it is also prone to cracking and surface wear over time. These qualities make surviving examples especially characterful, bearing the marks of age, handling, and use.

The figures are carved in the round, often with simplified facial features and exaggerated gestures that prioritise movement and storytelling over realism.

Condition & Restoration

Due to their age and the inherently delicate nature of thorn wood, some figures showed signs of wear or minor damage when acquired. Where necessary, careful, sympathetic restoration has been carried out to stabilise the wood and ensure the figures remain structurally sound.

Any restoration has been kept minimal and respectful, intended to preserve the integrity of the carving rather than to disguise age or over-refinish the surface. Signs of handling, wear, and small imperfections remain visible and are considered part of each figure’s history.

Figures are offered in small curated groups. Each grouping has been assembled to reflect shared themes such as work, music, travel, or domestic life, allowing the figures to be appreciated both as standalone objects and as part of a broader narrative.