Discovering the Origins and Functions of Nigerian Traditional Art Cultural and Creative Arts JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 14-15 years
Topic: Identification of Palaces of Origin of Each Art
Sub-topic: States of Origin of Nigerian Artworks and Their Functions
Duration: 60 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Identify the states of origin for various Nigerian artworks.
2. Explain the functions of traditional arts in Nigerian culture.
3. Discuss the significance of geographical location in the development of art.

Key Words

• States of Origin
• Nok
• Ife
• Benin
• Traditional Arts

Set Induction

Start with a question: “Why do you think different types of art originate from specific places?” Allow students to share their thoughts to engage them in the topic.

Entry Behaviour

Students should have a basic understanding of Nigerian geography and art.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Map of Nigeria showing the states
• Images of artworks from different states
• Reference books: Lagos State Scheme of Work, Cultural and Creative Arts textbooks

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss previous lessons on traditional art forms and how culture influences artistic expression.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Research skills
• Communication skills

Learning Materials

• Traditional art images
• Map of Nigeria

Instructional Materials

• Projector
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handouts on states of origin

Content

1. States of Origin of Nigerian Artworks:
   • Nok: Originates from Kaduna State.
   • Ife: Originates from Osun State.
   • Benin: Originates from Edo State.
   • Other notable artworks and their origins include:
     • Igbo-Ukwu: Originates from Anambra State.
     • Uli Art: Found in southeastern Nigeria.
     • Aso Oke: Originates from Yoruba land.
2. Functions of Nigerian Traditional Arts:
   • Serve as a means of cultural expression.
   • Used in rituals and ceremonies.
   • Provide historical records and tell stories.
   • Serve decorative purposes in homes and public spaces.
   • Promote social cohesion and community identity.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. Nok art originates from _______ State. (a) Lagos (b) Kaduna (c) Edo (d) Osun
2. Ife art is found in _______ State. (a) Osun (b) Oyo (c) Edo (d) Anambra
3. The Benin art tradition comes from _______ State. (a) Edo (b) Abia (c) Rivers (d) Ebonyi
4. Igbo-Ukwu artworks originate from _______ State. (a) Kaduna (b) Anambra (c) Enugu (d) Lagos
5. Aso Oke is a traditional art form from _______ land. (a) Hausa (b) Igbo (c) Yoruba (d) Efik
6. Traditional arts are often used in _______ and ceremonies. (a) games (b) rituals (c) conferences (d) meetings
7. One function of traditional arts is to provide _______ records. (a) financial (b) historical (c) geographical (d) personal
8. Nigerian traditional arts promote _______ cohesion. (a) social (b) financial (c) political (d) academic
9. Uli Art is predominantly found in _______ Nigeria. (a) northern (b) western (c) southeastern (d) southwestern
10. Traditional art serves as a means of _______ expression. (a) cultural (b) economic (c) scientific (d) technical
11. The artworks from Benin often depict _______ events. (a) fictional (b) historical (c) modern (d) abstract
12. The state known for its rich bronze work is _______. (a) Edo (b) Osun (c) Lagos (d) Ogun
13. Art is used in Nigeria to enhance _______ identity. (a) individual (b) cultural (c) personal (d) economic
14. Artworks can also serve _______ purposes in homes. (a) decorative (b) utilitarian (c) harmful (d) confusing
15. Traditional arts are passed down through _______. (a) technology (b) generations (c) events (d) stories

Lesson Breakdown:

1. States of Origin of Nigerian Artworks
   • Nok Art: Originates from Kaduna State and represents one of the earliest African civilizations known for its terracotta sculptures.
   • Ife Art: Found in Osun State, known for its detailed bronze and terracotta figures, especially those depicting Yoruba royalty.
   • Benin Art: Based in Edo State, famous for its bronze, brass, and ivory sculptures that often depict historical events and the Benin royal court.
2. Functions of Nigerian Traditional Arts
   • Religious Functions: Many traditional artworks are used in religious ceremonies, rituals, and as symbols of deities or ancestors.
   • Historical Documentation: Artworks often serve as records of important historical events, kings, and traditions.
   • Cultural Identity: These art forms reinforce cultural pride and identity, representing the values, beliefs, and practices of each region.
   • Aesthetic Value: Traditional art showcases creativity and craftsmanship, bringing beauty and elegance to the community.
   • Economic Value: Traditional art also contributes economically through trade and tourism, attracting visitors and art collectors worldwide.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

• Identify the states of origin for prominent Nigerian traditional artworks.
• Explain the various functions of traditional Nigerian art in society.

Class Activities:

1. Class Discussion:
   • Discuss the states of origin and functions of different traditional artworks and their significance in Nigerian culture.
2. Map Exercise:
   • Use a map of Nigeria for students to locate and mark the states associated with each type of traditional art.
3. Group Activity:
   • Divide students into groups to research and present on the functions of specific traditional artworks.

Evaluation:

• Name the states associated with Nok, Ife, and Benin artworks.
• List three functions of Nigerian traditional art.

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is the significance of the Nok art?
   Nok art is significant as it represents one of the earliest forms of Nigerian sculpture.
2. How does Ife art differ from other forms?
   Ife art is known for its realistic representation of human figures.
3. Why is Benin art important?
   Benin art is important for its historical plaques that document the kingdom’s history.
4. What is the function of traditional arts in Nigerian society?
   Traditional arts serve to express culture, history, and community identity.
5. Can art influence cultural identity?
   Yes, art plays a crucial role in shaping and expressing cultural identity.
6. What materials are commonly used in traditional Nigerian art?
   Common materials include clay, wood, bronze, and textiles.
7. How are traditional arts taught in Nigeria?
   Traditional arts are taught through apprenticeship, workshops, and community programs.
8. Are there festivals that celebrate traditional art?
   Yes, there are several festivals across Nigeria that celebrate traditional art forms.
9. What role does geography play in the development of art?
   Geography influences the materials available and the cultural practices of a region.
10. How does traditional art help in storytelling?
    Traditional art often depicts historical events and cultural stories through visual means.
11. What is Uli Art, and where is it found?
    Uli Art is a traditional form of body painting and wall decoration found in southeastern Nigeria.
12. Why is Aso Oke important?
    Aso Oke is important for its use in traditional attire and cultural ceremonies.
13. How do traditional artworks reflect community values?
    They often incorporate symbols and themes that represent the beliefs and values of the community.
14. What is the impact of modern influences on traditional art?
    Modern influences can lead to new interpretations and techniques while preserving traditional roots.
15. Can traditional art be a source of income?
    Yes, many artists earn a living by creating and selling traditional art pieces.

Presentation

1. Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Nigeria Traditional Art and Its Types.”
2. Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic, “Identification of Palaces of Origin of Each Art.”
3. Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to give their contributions and corrects them when necessary.

Teacher’s Activities

• Facilitate discussions on the significance of geographical origins.
• Show images of artworks from different states.
• Provide information on the functions of traditional arts.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in discussions.
• Examine images and discuss the states of origin.
• Share their thoughts on the significance of art in their communities.

Assessment

• Observe student participation during discussions.
• Review responses to fill-in-the-blank questions.

Evaluation Questions

1. Identify the state where Nok art originates.
2. Describe the significance of Ife art.
3. Name one function of traditional arts in Nigeria.
4. How does art serve as a cultural expression?
5. Discuss the role of traditional arts in community identity.
6. What are the major materials used in Nigerian traditional art?
7. Explain the importance of Benin art in historical documentation.
8. How does Uli art reflect the culture of southeastern Nigeria?
9. Why is it important to preserve traditional arts?
10. Describe how geography affects the types of art produced in Nigeria.

Conclusion

The teacher goes around to mark the answers and provides feedback on the topic. Summarize the importance of identifying the origins and functions of traditional arts in Nigerian culture.