Exploring Nigerian Art and Culture: An Insightful Journey

 

  1. The word ‘torso’ means (a) the head, arms and legs (b) the trunk and head (c) the head only (d)the body without head and limbs

  2. Someone that takes care of artworks kept in the museum, is Artist (b) A caretaker (c) A museumist (d) A Curator (a) An

  3. There are museums in the following towns in Nigeria EXCEPT Benin (b) Kano (c) Jos (d) Lagos

  4. is a Nigerian dancer and choreographer. (a) Wizkid (b) Kaffy (c) Yemi Alade (d) Olamide

  5. Dance action involves the following EXCEPT bending (c) jumping (d) stretching (a) beating (b)

  6. Which of the following is a feature of dance? (a) Acrobatics (b) backflip (c) movement (d) somersault

  7. The renowned Nigerian potter among the following was Lamidi Fakeye (b) Jimoh Buraimoh (c) Susan Wenger (d) Ladi Kwali (a)

  8. A fabric design that requires wax and dye is known as

bleaching (b) embroidery (c) knitting (d) batik

(a)

  1. The shape of human head is triangular (a) circular (b) oval (c) rectangular (d)

59, Wet clay woks can be joined together by grog (d) slip (a) evostic (b) glue (c)

  1. The the following are elements of design except (c) pattern (d) texture (a) colour (b) line

THEORY

Answer FOUR (4) questions only.

1a. Explain in details the word “portraiture”.

b. List 4 types of figure drawing.

Torse

leg

head

hand

50. The word ‘torso’ means (d) the body without head and limbs.

  • Example: When you see a sculpture of a torso, it usually shows the body without the arms, legs, or head.

51. Someone that takes care of artworks kept in the museum, is (d) A Curator.

  • Example: The curator is responsible for managing and preserving the artworks in the museum.

52. There are museums in the following towns in Nigeria EXCEPT (a) Benin.

  • Example: Museums can be found in Kano, Jos, and Lagos, but not in Benin.

53. ________ is a Nigerian dancer and choreographer. (b) Kaffy.

  • Example: Kaffy is well-known for her impressive dance moves and choreography in Nigeria.

54. Dance action involves the following EXCEPT (a) beating.

  • Example: Dance actions include jumping, stretching, and bending, but not beating.

55. Which of the following is a feature of dance? (c) Movement.

  • Example: Movement is a key feature of dance, as dancers express themselves through different movements.

56. The renowned Nigerian potter among the following was (d) Ladi Kwali.

  • Example: Ladi Kwali was celebrated for her exceptional skills in pottery, creating beautiful clay works.

57. A fabric design that requires wax and dye is known as (d) batik.

  • Example: Batik is a traditional fabric design technique where wax is used to create patterns before dyeing the fabric.

58. The shape of the human head is (b) oval.

  • Example: When you look at a person’s face, you’ll notice that the shape of their head is usually oval.

59. Wet clay works can be joined together by (b) slip.

  • Example: Slip is a liquid form of clay used to join pieces of wet clay together when making pottery.

60. The following are elements of design except (a) colour.

  • Example: Colour, line, pattern, and texture are all elements of design, but beating is not.

THEORY

1a. Explain in detail the word “portraiture”.

  • Portraiture is the art of creating a representation of a person, usually focusing on their face and expression to capture their likeness and personality.

1b. List 4 types of figure drawing.

  • Torso, leg, head, and hand are all types of figure drawing where artists focus on different parts of the human body.

 

 

 

Exploring Nigerian Art and Culture: A Fascinating Journey

Introduction: Nigeria boasts a rich tapestry of art and culture, woven intricately through its diverse history and traditions. From ancient art traditions to contemporary expressions, Nigerian artistry continues to captivate and inspire. Join us on a journey as we delve into the vibrant world of Nigerian art and culture.

Understanding Nigerian Art Traditions: Nigeria’s art traditions are as diverse as its people, each with its own unique characteristics and influences.

Nok Art Tradition: Dating back to 500 BC, Nok art is one of Nigeria’s oldest art traditions. Known for its terracotta sculptures depicting human figures with intricate details, Nok art offers a glimpse into ancient Nigerian civilization.

Ife Art Tradition: Ife art, renowned for its naturalistic sculptures and bronze casting techniques, showcases the artistic prowess of the Yoruba people. The iconic Ife Head, a bronze sculpture representing the rich cultural heritage of Ife, stands as a testament to this tradition.

Benin Art Tradition: The Benin Kingdom is celebrated for its exquisite bronze and brass sculptures, often depicting royalty and historical events. The Benin Bronzes, intricate artworks crafted by skilled artisans, offer insights into the kingdom’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Exploring Nigerian Cultural Practices: Nigerian culture is alive with vibrant traditions and practices that reflect the country’s diverse ethnicities and customs.

Court Art: Court art, commissioned by royal courts, reflects the wealth and power of Nigeria’s rulers. Elaborate bronze sculptures commissioned by the Benin Kingdom’s royal court serve as lasting tributes to significant events and figures.

Tsoede Figures: Among the Nupes, Tsoede figures symbolize ancestral spirits and cultural heritage. Adorned with intricate designs and symbols, these traditional sculptures offer a window into Nupeland traditions.

Awka’s Craftsmanship: Awka, known for its skilled artisans, specializes in crafts like basket weaving, calabash carving, and leatherwork. The intricately woven baskets and beautifully carved calabashes from Awka showcase the craftsmanship and artistic talent of its people.

Exploring Artifacts in Nigerian Museums: Nigeria’s museums house a treasure trove of artifacts that offer insights into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

War Museums: War museums preserve artifacts related to Nigeria’s military history, including weapons, uniforms, and memorabilia from past conflicts. The Nigerian National War Museum in Umuahia provides a poignant reminder of the nation’s wartime experiences.

Traditional Artifacts: Museums across Nigeria showcase traditional artifacts like pottery, textiles, and ceremonial objects, highlighting the country’s cultural diversity and artistic legacy. The National Museum of Nigeria in Lagos is a testament to Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion: Celebrating Nigerian Art and Culture: Nigerian art and culture are a source of pride and inspiration, embodying the spirit and resilience of its people. From ancient art traditions to modern-day expressions, Nigeria’s artistic heritage continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the world. Let us celebrate and preserve this cultural legacy for generations to come. 🇳🇬🎨

Class Activity Discussion :
  1. What is the significance of Nok art in Nigerian history?
  2. Describe the characteristics of Ife art.
  3. How does Benin art reflect the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom?
  4. What is court art, and what does it typically depict?
  5. Who are the Nupes, and what do Tsoede figures represent?
  6. What crafts is Awka known for?
  7. What type of artifacts do war museums in Nigeria preserve?
  8. What can visitors expect to see in traditional artifact exhibits in Nigerian museums?
  9. What is the Ife Head, and why is it significant?
  10. Explain the importance of preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
  11. How do museums contribute to the preservation of Nigerian art and culture?
  12. Describe the process of basket weaving in Awka.
  13. What are some examples of traditional Nigerian textiles?
  14. How does dance play a role in Nigerian cultural expression?
  15. What role do curators play in maintaining artworks in museums?
Suggested Answers :
  1. The significance of Nok art in Nigerian history lies in its age, dating back to around 500 BC, making it one of the oldest art traditions in the country.
  2. Ife art is characterized by its naturalistic sculptures and bronze casting techniques, showcasing the artistic prowess of the Yoruba people.
  3. Benin art reflects the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom through exquisite bronze and brass sculptures that often depict royalty and historical events.
  4. Court art refers to artistic creations commissioned by royal courts, typically depicting significant events, rulers, or cultural symbols.
  5. The Nupes are an ethnic group in Nigeria, and Tsoede figures represent ancestral spirits and cultural heritage among them.
  6. Awka is known for crafts like basket weaving, calabash carving, and leatherwork, showcasing the artistic talent of its people.
  7. War museums in Nigeria preserve artifacts related to the country’s military history, including weapons, uniforms, and memorabilia from past conflicts.
  8. Traditional artifact exhibits in Nigerian museums feature items like pottery, textiles, and ceremonial objects, highlighting the country’s cultural diversity.
  9. The Ife Head is a famous bronze sculpture representing the rich cultural heritage of Ife, and it is significant for its artistic and historical value.
  10. Preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage is important to maintain the country’s identity and history for future generations.
  11. Museums contribute to the preservation of Nigerian art and culture by collecting, conserving, and exhibiting artifacts for public education and appreciation.
  12. Basket weaving in Awka involves weaving strips of materials like palm fronds or raffia to create intricate patterns and shapes.
  13. Traditional Nigerian textiles include fabrics like adire, aso-oke, and kente, each with unique patterns and meanings.
  14. Dance is an integral part of Nigerian cultural expression, serving as a means of storytelling, celebration, and social interaction.
  15. Curators play a crucial role in maintaining artworks in museums by overseeing their care, conservation, and exhibition to ensure their preservation for future generations to enjoy.

Objectives

  1. The significance of Nok art lies in its ________________, dating back to around 500 BC.
    a) age
    b) size
    c) color
    d) shape
  2. Ife art is characterized by its ________________ sculptures and bronze casting techniques.
    a) abstract
    b) naturalistic
    c) geometric
    d) surreal
  3. Benin art reflects the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom through ________________ sculptures.
    a) wooden
    b) clay
    c) bronze and brass
    d) stone
  4. Court art typically depicts ________________, rulers, or cultural symbols.
    a) animals
    b) landscapes
    c) significant events
    d) fictional characters
  5. Tsoede figures represent ancestral spirits and cultural heritage among the ________________ ethnic group.
    a) Igbo
    b) Yoruba
    c) Hausa
    d) Nupe
  6. Awka is known for crafts like basket weaving, ________________, and leatherwork.
    a) pottery
    b) painting
    c) sculpture
    d) embroidery
  7. War museums in Nigeria preserve artifacts related to the country’s ________________ history.
    a) military
    b) economic
    c) political
    d) cultural
  8. Traditional artifact exhibits in Nigerian museums feature items like ________________, textiles, and ceremonial objects.
    a) electronics
    b) furniture
    c) pottery
    d) bicycles
  9. The Ife Head is a famous bronze sculpture representing the rich cultural heritage of ________________.
    a) Kano
    b) Benin
    c) Ife
    d) Lagos
  10. Preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage is important to maintain the country’s identity and ________________.
    a) history
    b) geography
    c) economy
    d) politics
  11. Museums contribute to the preservation of Nigerian art and culture by collecting, conserving, and ________________ artifacts.
    a) hiding
    b) destroying
    c) exhibiting
    d) selling
  12. Basket weaving in Awka involves weaving strips of materials like palm fronds or ________________ to create intricate patterns.
    a) plastic
    b) metal
    c) raffia
    d) glass
  13. Traditional Nigerian textiles include fabrics like adire, aso-oke, and ________________.
    a) denim
    b) silk
    c) wool
    d) kente
  14. Dance is an integral part of Nigerian cultural expression, serving as a means of storytelling, celebration, and ________________.
    a) exercise
    b) communication
    c) competition
    d) relaxation
  15. Curators play a crucial role in maintaining artworks in museums by overseeing their care, conservation, and ________________.
    a) destruction
    b) exhibition
    c) hiding
    d) selling
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