Nupe Carved Door

About

Nupe wood carvings are known for their intricate geometric and abstract patterns, primarily decorating functional objects like stools and doors rather than representing human figures. The art is almost exclusively for aesthetic purposes, rather than ceremonial or spiritual ones. History and influences------------------------------------------------------- ##Decline of spiritual art: Historically, Nupe arts had a spiritual dimension, but this has largely been lost due to the influence of Islam and Christianity, which became prominent in the Nupe kingdom around the second millennium. Emphasis on aesthetics: With the decline of spiritualism, Nupe wood carving shifted toward focusing on the aesthetic and material aspects of the craft. ###Fulani revival: In the late 1850s, after the Fulani conquest, skilled Nupe artisans were organized into guilds in Bida. This effort helped revive the tradition and focus on crafts like wood carving, glass, and brass work. ###Islamic and Yoruba influence: Some Nupe wood carvings show the influence of neighboring Yoruba and Islamic cultures, incorporating elements such as stylized animals alongside Islamic motifs like the writing board or mosque plans. Common Nupe wood carvings ###Stools: Nupe stools are renowned for their distinctive, intricate incised patterns. Carved from a single block of wood, they often feature a round form with conical legs. They are sometimes called "wedding stools". ###Doors: Large carved wooden doors were commissioned by important Nupe people as indicators of wealth and status. These doors, made from multiple panels, are decorated with relief carvings featuring geometric patterns, as well as abstract representations of objects and symbols. ###Posts: Architectural posts are another common form of Nupe wood carving, featuring massive and impressively carved designs. Some posts display zigzagging and ringed forms, while others have openwork lozenge sections. ###Other carvings: The Nupe also carve items such as masks for bird hunting, drums, figurines, and wooden mortars.