Artwork

Icoale c

Icoale c, by Ana Deji
Icoale c, by Ana Deji

Icoale c is a drawing by Ana Deji. It is held in the collection of the "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum. The object is a weathered wooden panel, divided into three vertical sections.

About this work

Overview

The object is a weathered wooden panel, divided into three vertical sections. Its surface bears visible cracks, knots, and faded inscriptions of numbers and letters, suggesting extensive handling over time. No pictorial elements remain, indicating that any original decoration or attachment has been lost or removed.

Physical Description

Crafted from dark, aged timber, the panel shows typical signs of long-term use, including surface wear and a patina of age. The division into three equal vertical zones may reflect a structural or functional design, while the faint markings hint at a system of labeling or coding employed by its former users.

Possible Function

The presence of numerical and alphabetical markings, combined with the panel’s tripartite layout, suggests it served as a register, inventory board, or organizational aid rather than as a decorative artwork. Its bare wood and lack of imagery support a utilitarian role, possibly within a collection or storage context.

Provenance

The panel is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings. While specific acquisition details are not provided, its inclusion in an ethnographic collection points to an origin within a cultural setting where wooden panels were employed for record‑keeping or display purposes.

Context and Significance

Wooden panels of this type are common in various societies for practical documentation, often reflecting local woodworking traditions and administrative practices. The panel’s condition and markings offer insight into the material culture of the community that produced and used it, illustrating how everyday objects can serve as historical records.

Artist & collection

Artist

Ana Deji

Ana Deji made colorful religious drawings and paintings with bold colors and simple shapes.