Back to: Jss3 Cultural and Creative Art (C.C.A)

Introduction

The age of prehistoric art was followed by the emergence of traditional art. Traditional artists in Nigeria were responsible for the production of traditional works of art utilizing a variety of materials and mediums. The following categories are used to describe different types of traditional arts practised in Nigeria:

1. Period

2. Location/Site

3. Media used 

1. Period

NOK ART CULTURE

The Nok art culture is the oldest of several art cultures that can be found in Nigeria. It has a deep historical and cultural heritage, both of which contribute to its continued relevance in modern times.

Period: The Nok art culture likely flourished between the years 500 BC and 200 AD, according to the most conservative estimates.

Location: NOK ART GOT ITS NAME FROM A SMALL VILLAGE CALLED “NOK” THAT IS LOCATED NEAR JEMMA IN KANNUA STATE, WHICH IS EQUALLY CLOSE TO JOs IN PLATEAU STATE. NOK ART IS LOCATED IN

Media Used: Clay was the medium that was used to create works of art by the Nok people.

Characteristics

Elaborate hairdo

b. Pierced pupil, mouth and ear

c. Stylized in appearance

d. Eyes shape in a half circle or inverted triangle

e. Conical cylindrical shaped head

f. Mouth soothing out Origin: Nok, Plateau State

IGBO UKWU ART

PeriodThe art of Igbo Ukwu stretches back to the 9th to 13th century A.D., and the town of Igbo Ukwu may be found in the state of Anambra in Nigeria.

MEDIUM USED: Bronze

Characteristics

The majority of the decoration consists of winding lines, insects, and rope.

They are constructed out of bronze.

They are items that can be used for a variety of purposes.

They are meant to be displayed as ornaments and have a look not dissimilar to that of nature.

Origin: Anambra

IFE ART CULTURE

There is a common belief among Yorubas that IFE was their ancient home, and the Ooni of Ife served as their traditional leader.

Ife’s ancient artistic practices may be traced back to the ninth or tenth century after Christ.

LOCATION: Osun state, which is located in the western region of Nigeria, was the centre of the Ife art tradition.

Media UsedClay and metal were the primary materials used in the production of Ife artworks.

CHARACTERISTICS OF IFE ART

a. The eyes are spherical when they are placed in their sockets.

b. Having an appearance that is quite similar to that of nature.

b. There are slits, which stand in for individual hairs, all around the moustache and the head.

d. some indentations or lines run down the person’s face.

BENIN ART

In ancient times, the people of Benin suffered at the hands of the British during an invasion that took place in 1897. During this invasion, the British took away the majority of the relief plaques and figurines that the Beninese had created, including the Benin Ivory Mask, which is now considered to be a symbol 

In ancient times, the people of Benin suffered at the hands of the British during an invasion that took place in 1897. During this invasion, the British took away the majority of the relief plaques and figurines that the Beninese had created, including the Benin Ivory Mask, which is now considered to be a symbol 

Period: The art of Benin was produced between the 14th and 18th centuries AD. This takes place between the years 1440 and 1897.

Benin may be found in the city of Benin, which is also the capital of the state of Edo.

Wood, bronze, ivory, clay, and stone were the traditional materials that were used by Benin’s artisans when they created their works of art.

CHARACTERISTICS OF BENIN ART

A significant amount of beads is used to cover the neck. 

There are indentations on the top of the head.

c. It has a very elaborate ornamental style.

d. It seems like an individual who served in the British army.

d. The majority of them are members of royal families.

ESIE ART 

Esie may be found in an Igbomina Yoruba town that is situated to the south-east of Ilorin and close to Offa in Kwara state 

Medium Used: SOAPSTONE was the material from which the statues of the Esie people were sculpted.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ESIE ART

b.  each have masculine and female characteristics.

c. Some of them adorn their necks and waists with beaded necklaces and bracelets.

c. Some of them are kneeling, while others are seated on stools that are fashioned differently.

e. Some of them choose to adorn their heads with elaborately crafted headdresses.

Tsoede art

Tsoede art, also known as Nupe art or Tada figures, is mostly comprised of massive bronze figures.

Tsoede was born to the Atta of Idah, a family who was expelled from their homeland. After some time had passed, he later boarded a bronze boat and brought several bronze pieces with him. In his pursuit of the Nubian empire, he went down the Nile and journeyed along its length. He was most prominent in the villages of Jebba and Tada on the island of Giragi, where he maintained bronze works in both locations. The Nupe people have moved into the villages, which are located in the state of Kogi. Tsoede was the son of the Atta of Idah, and he was the one who journeyed down the Niger River in the 14th century in search of the Nupe kingdom. In the end, he was successful in finding the Nupe kingdom and settling there. The sculptural works created by Tsoede are made of bronze and include sitting human figures, bronze animal sculptures such as ostriches and elephants, and creatures that are similarly lifelike in appearance. The vast majority of these numbers pertain to fertility.

PERIOD: Works in bronze were created during the 13th and 14th centuries AD, and their popularity peaked around the year 1100 AD.

Location: NUPE’s location is in the centre of Nigeria’s belt, as the name suggests. Artefacts made of bronze were discovered in the Tada and Jebba villages located in what is now the state of Kogi in Nigeria.

Artefacts made of bronze were discovered in the Tada and Jebba villages located in what is now the state of Kogi in Nigeria. CHARACTERISTICS OF TSEODE ART

1. The sitting Tada bronze figure has broken arms and a broken leg. This is one of the defining characteristics of Tseode art.

2. The Tada bronze person that is standing is wearing a complicated outfit and holding a disc.

3. Both the animal and human characters in Tada’s work have a symbolic and lifelike quality.

4. The Tada artists use bronze to create their works.

Annang Art

Origin: Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Characteristics:

a. Mostly made of masks.

b. Slender nose.

c. Painted with white chalk.

d. Very near to nature in look.

Ibiobio 

Characteristics of Ibiobio

 a. A black mask b. A slender nose c. A facial expression d. Misshaped shapes

Ere Ibeji 

Characteristics: a. They have a humanoid appearance; b. They come in both male and female forms Origin: Yoruba territory, South-Western Nigeria

Functions of Nigerian Traditional Arts

I. They served as the Subjects of Worship and Sacrificial Offerings.

ii. Some of them are meant to be representations of the ancestors.

iii. Some of them are viewed and handled as symbols of success in life, wealth, courage, and fertility. iv. Some of them are recognized and treated as symbols of fertility.

iv. They are employed to replace the ones who have already passed away. For example, Ere Ibeji is utilized to stand in for the twins who have passed away.

v. Some of them are for performances related to cultural events.

vi. Some are used primarily for decoration and visual enhancement.