The act of sculpting a representation of the former U.S. President’s likeness onto the surface of a pumpkin, typically during the Halloween season, falls under the broader category of decorative gourd art. This practice involves using tools to remove sections of the pumpkin’s outer layer, creating a design that, when illuminated from within, produces a recognizable image. Examples range from simple caricatures to more elaborate, detailed portraits.
Such carvings represent a form of political expression and social commentary. The creation and display of these modified pumpkins can serve as a visual statement, reflecting the carver’s sentiments towards the individual depicted. Historically, gourds and other natural materials have been used for decorative and symbolic purposes, with the carving of pumpkins evolving into a popular Halloween tradition in many Western cultures. This activity often blends artistic skill with topical relevance.