Acacia karroo Hayne or Vachellia karroo (Karoo thorn, with an unidentified birt ?wagtail) Possibly 1777 - 1786

Robert Jacob Gordon rendered this watercolor drawing of an Acacia karroo, or Karoo thorn, with a wagtail perched upon its branch. The acacia tree, common across Africa, bears thorns, a symbol of protection, strength, and survival in harsh environments. Yet, the tree also provides sustenance and shelter. Like the Tree of Life, this symbol appears across cultures, from ancient Egypt to modern-day art, embodying the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Note the wagtail, a bird often associated with alertness and adaptability. Birds, in general, carry connotations of freedom, spirit, and communication. The convergence of these symbols, thorned tree, and alert wagtail, evokes a psychological tension between protection and freedom. They stir a deep, subconscious resonance, reminding us of the duality of existence – the need for safety versus the yearning for liberation. Consider how this dance of symbols continues to evolve, revealing new layers of meaning with each retelling.