Thorn Carving – Pounding Grain
- What does Pounding Grain depict in a direct, literal sense?
This sculpture depicts a Nigerian woman using a mortar and pestle to pound food, likely grain, for consumption. The image is a representation of an everyday activity that holds deep cultural meaning, as it highlights the woman’s role in food preparation.
- What does Pounding Grain denote?
The sculpture symbolizes the value of sacrifice in Nigerian culture, particularly the role of women in supporting their families. The woman’s act of pounding grain is not just about preparing food—it represents her dedication and the sacrifices made to ensure the well-being of her household.
- What connotations does Pounding Grain carry — what undertones or associations?
The mortar and pestle evoke personal memories of my childhood, reminding me of my mother’s connection to her homeland. When she received a mortar and pestle from our village, it helped her feel grounded. Watching her prepare meals and later learning to use the tool myself created a lasting sense of cultural continuity.
- How do you want your distorted version of this sculpture to relate to the literal, denotative, and connotative ideas you’ve outlined above? Are there any particular ideas you want to explore or resist in your distorted version of the sculpture?
I want the distorted version to emphasize the nostalgia of learning these traditions from my mother and reflect the communal values embedded in this act. It will tie to the themes of sacrifice, cultural preservation, and community.
- Please describe the type of distortion you’ll use and explain its conceptual significance.
I plan to add images or symbols of children to represent the passing down of cultural practices. This distortion will explore how these traditions are preserved across generations, emphasizing the cultural continuity I hope to maintain for my future children.
