PORTRAIT 5 - NIGERIAN ART HERITAGE PROGRAMME THREE

NOK Terracotta

Exploits the abundant evidence in our art and art history to further illustrate the theme of intergroup linkages and cultural similarities, as well as highlights the great artistic heritage of all Nigerian peoples. The oldest sculptures found in Black Africa are terracotta’s from NOK, and as far back as 500 BC, iron was being smelted in Nok. Nok, Igbo Ukwu, Ife and Benin are great themes in Nigerian art history.

Igbo-Ukwu Bronze Vase

Experts trace similarities between the different traditions, and seek evidence of intermediate stages between these in the evolution of Nigerian art history. The programme examines the changes and the transformations in the technologies that produced this enviable artistic past, and suggests a possible theory of continuous development of art forms in the Nigerian area from NOK to Benin with various manifestations, but each building on what existed before.