Southern Ground Hornbill
by Amy E Fraser
Title
Southern Ground Hornbill
Artist
Amy E Fraser
Medium
Painting - Oil Pastel On Paper
Description
The Southern Ground Hornbill by Amy E. Fraser. This is an expressive large African bird portrait in shades of blue, black, purple and red with long lashes and soft blue eyes complimented with a vibrant green textural background.
The southern ground hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) is the largest species in the hornbill order worldwide. It can be found in the southern regions of Africa, ranging from Kenya to South Africa. Within these regions, they inhabit both woodlands and savannas. Southern ground hornbills are carnivorous and hunt mostly on the ground. Food ranges from insects to small animals. Nests are often found in high tree cavities. These wise and majestic birds are a long-lived species, having lifespans in the range of 50 to 60 years, and up to 70 in captivity. In relation to their long lives, they do not reach sexual maturity until 4 to 6 years old, and begin breeding around 10 years old. Their sex can be identified by the color of their throats: the male's is pure red and the female's is a deep violet-blue. Southern ground hornbills are a culturally pervasive and important species in southern Africa. The southern ground hornbill's loud voice and large size have made it a focal point in many traditional African cultures. Several associate the southern ground hornbill with death and unluckiness, as well as a sign, or bringer, of death, destruction, loss, and deprivation. Some believe it to host angry spirits and that it can bring misfortune and should not be approached. The southern ground hornbill is also well known for its associations with rain, drought, lightning and general weather forecasts. It is believed by some, such as the Ndebele that the hornbill’s early morning calls are a sign of rain. Cultures such as the AmaXhosa believe the southern ground hornbill can be used to bring rain and end droughts. Possibly influenced by the southern ground hornbill's ability to spot and hunt small creatures within tall grass, it has been associated with the ability to alter human perceptions. Though traditional rituals, the bird can be called on to improve or change a human's ability to alter reality, create illusions, and expand awareness. In Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa the bird has been used to improve a human's ability to find food, creatures and even enemies. Other cultural uses or beliefs include ridding one of bad or evil spirits, taking revenge on others or instigating fights, empowering a person, and causing dreams to become reality.
Amy E. Fraser’s Oil Pastel Animal Portrait series is an impassioned tribute to the beauty and magic of our beloved Animal Kingdom. Fun, gestural and energetic, these vibrant animals are painted in a stylized realism that is imbued with distinctive character and personality.
The Southern Ground Hornbill by Amy E. Fraser. Animal Portrait Paintings created from the artist’s intense connection to and love for all creatures great and small. Oil Pastel on archival paper. All images copyright Amy E. Fraser. All rights reserved.
Uploaded
February 1st, 2023
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