A CARVED WOOD HAUSA TRIBE WRITING BOARD
Nigeria, 20th century

Of typical rectangular shape, with a flat crescent-shaped handle at the top, the only decoration five carved lines on either side of the handle, residues of black ink Arabic inscriptions and letters on each side, the design following the style of magical Walaja and Quranic writing boards.

75.5cm x 44.5cm

This plain board is reminsicent in style and shape of Nigerian allo kafi gida, a Hausa language noun meaning “home protection boards". They often feature colorful representations of stylised animals in combination with Arabic words, numbers, and geometric shapes. Often kept hidden by the head of the family as a talisman, these boards act as protective charms, averting evil and bringing good fortune to his household.