Ebony and African Carvings in Aphra Behn's Oroonoko.

The article examines the use of the exotic ebony wood and the body carvings on African couple in Aphra Behn's novel "Oroonko: or, the Royal Slave." It discusses the function of the ebony as a metaphor for dark African skin, as well as the crossroads of Asian lacquer and tropical ebony. It also cites references to japanning, including its application on ebony furniture and the comparison with indigenous furnishings, particularly the Indian stools.