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Arts & Communication Art and culture in Nigeria architecture

architecture were the Islamization of northern Nigeria, the interaction, communal gatherings, and ritual activities.
expatriation of former slaves to Nigeria from the Americas, Village squares, marketplaces, and religious sites are
and colonization. However, Nigerian artists also started not only functional spaces but also cultural landscapes
to incorporate European techniques and materials into that facilitate interpersonal relationships, exchange, and
their work, creating a fusion of indigenous and Western collective experiences. The design and layout of these
artistic expressions. After Nigeria gained independence spaces often reflect social norms, hierarchies, and values,
in 1960, there was a renewed appreciation for indigenous reinforcing a sense of belonging and collective identity.
art and architecture. This period witnessed a resurgence of Most established and lasting places before Africa were
interest in traditional art forms and a rejection of colonial colonized grew because of their concentrated rites,
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influences. Nigerian artists and architects sought to reclaim performances, and economic activities. Oliver refers to
their cultural identity by embracing local materials, such cities before industrialization as symbols of power
techniques, and motifs. For example, the Ife bronze casting and influence.
tradition saw a revival as artists aimed to preserve and Nigerian art and architecture play crucial roles in
promote Nigeria’s ancient artistic heritage. preserving and transmitting cultural heritage across
In recent decades, Nigerian art and architecture generations. Traditional art forms, such as oral poetry,
have continued to evolve, embracing modernity while beadwork, and pottery, serve as repositories of historical
maintaining a connection to cultural roots. Contemporary knowledge, ancestral wisdom, and cultural practices.
Nigerian artists have gained international recognition for Through artistic production and performance, artisans
their innovative and thought-provoking works and address and storytellers ensure the continuity of cultural traditions
various social, political, and environmental issues. and the preservation of collective memory. Similarly,
architectural landmarks and sacred sites serve as tangible
2.2. Cultural significance of Nigerian art and reminders of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and historical
architecture legacies. From the ancient city walls of Kano to the UNESCO
Architecturally, Nigerian art and architecture serve as World Heritage sites of Osun-Osogbo Grove and the Sukur
potent forms of cultural expression, embodying the Cultural Landscape, Nigerian architecture bears witness to
beliefs, values, and experiences of its people. Traditional centuries of human creativity, ingenuity, and resilience. For
art forms, such as sculpture, painting, and textile design, the Hausas, Daura was the spiritual haven more established
are imbued with symbolism and meaning, often drawing among the old kingdoms; the same was the case of Ile-Ife
th
inspiration from mythology, spirituality, and everyday life. for the Yorubas. From the 15 century, the mosque became
For example, the iconic bronze sculptures of the ancient one of the most recognized and popular buildings in
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city of Ife are not merely esthetic objects but embodiments Hausa settlements Prucnal-Ogunsote. Figure 2 shows an
of royal power, craftsmanship, and spiritual reverence. example of a traditional Hausa building. By safeguarding
these architectural treasures, communities reaffirm their
Similarly, Nigerian architecture reflects the country’s
cultural diversity and historical narratives. Indigenous
architectural styles, such as the mud-brick structures of the
Hausa-Fulani or the compound houses of the Yoruba, are
manifestations of community values, social organization,
and environmental adaptation. These architectural forms
often incorporate decorative motifs and symbolic elements
that convey spiritual beliefs, social hierarchies, and
communal identity as seen in the ancient Yoruba dwelling
in Figure 1.
Nigerian art and architecture play pivotal roles in
fostering community cohesion and social relationships.
Traditional art forms, such as oral poetry, beadwork, and
pottery, serve as repositories of historical knowledge,
occasions for collective celebration, storytelling, and
cultural transmission. Through these artistic expressions,
communities reaffirm their shared values, histories, and Figure 1. An ancient Yoruba dwelling at Ile-Ife Source: A history of
identities, forging bonds of solidarity and belonging. Yoruba people. Source: https://es.advisor.travel/poi/Bosque-sagrado-de-
Likewise, architectural spaces serve as hubs for social Osun-Osogbo-12410#window-photo

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 3 doi: 10.36922/ac.0333