Bold use of line and pattern, Yam Pounder is a composition showcasing domestic Nigerian village life. The main subject is that of a woman wearing star earrings with baby wrapped in traditional Yoruba cloth on the woman's back. The woman pounding yams using a large mortar and pestle. Nigeria is the largest producers of yams. One of the most popular methods of preparing and serving yam is by "pounding" and producing a semi- mashed paste. Pounded Yam is wrapped in plastic bags to retain its moisture and often served with a variety of soups. The smaller figure to the right of the yam pounder appears to be holding a wrapped bag of this yam paste. A large pot cooks on a fire behind the figure and another figure, seated behind the yam pounder to the left prepares the yams. The central figure is a man wearing a traditional Yoruba cap called a fila. The style worn by the man is called an abeti aja. The moon and stars are in the upper right hand corner signifying the time of day as night.
The soft edge marks of the ground and curved roof edges are created by the lino- cutter's curved groove shape. The first layered block has been printed in yellow. Subtle checkerboard design in yellow can be seen in the doorway behind the seated man the and window behind the cooking pot creates a beautiful sense of depth within the composition. The second layer of blue, on top of the first layer is slightly deckled with texture, the Lino plate sliding slightly during the print process. The "happy accident" creates a sense of movement in the tropical almond tree's big leaves in the upper left hand corner. The consistent changing of line weight throughout the composition creates action and an engaging energy.
- Tunde Odunlade
- Yam Pounder
- linocut
- 21 x 12.25 in (53.34 x 31.12 cm)
- Framed: 25.75 x 17 in (65.41 x 43.18 cm)
- Signature: signed "Tunde Odunlade" in pencil.
Artist: Tunde Odunlade x
- Current Location: Rall Gallery Storage
- Collections: Doane Permanent Art Collection, Dr. Natalie Hahn African Art Collection