THIS THREAD IS DEDICATED TO NIGERIA'S RICH HISTORICAL CULTURES AND TREASURES INCLUDING KINGDOMS AND CHIEFDOMS..ETC

Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage, including both traditional and contemporary art forms. From the naturalistic statues produced at Ife to the bronzes made for the king of Benin, Nigerian artists have crafted art that is world famous. The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2583939108_9a3fb9db4e_o.jpg

A Nok head, made of terra-cotta, found near Jemaa, Nigeria.

also called Nok Figurine Culture, ancient Iron Age culture that existed on the Benue Plateau of Nigeria between about 500 BC and AD 200.

First discovered in 1928 in the small tin-mining village of Nok, artifacts of similar features were found over an area that stretched about 300 miles (480 km) east to west and 200 miles (320 km) north to south. The most characteristic Nok artifacts are clay figurines of animals and stylized human beings

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2583147599_42e89f989c_o.jpg

Abeokuta, the Capital of Ogun State Nigeria, is earliest entry point of Christianity, as it is known now, in Nigeria.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1790000/images/_1790882_louvre300.jpg

France and Nigeria have come to an agreement over the provenance of three statues on display at the Louvre museum in Paris.

The three 1,500-year-old terracotta figures, known as the Nok statues, were uncovered during a mining operation in Nigeria in the 1990s.

Nigeria has agreed to allow the statues to remain in Paris on a 25-year renewable basis in return for France's admission that they are undisputedly the property of Nigeria.

The statues left the country at a time when Nigeria prohibited the export of any archaeological relics.

Portraits

In April last year Nigeria officially requested their return.

Nok sculptures are among the oldest sculptures found in Africa.

The small figures are often a series of portraits made out of stone, terracotta or bronze.

Art historians believe they were used as cult objects to commemorate the dead and also as spirit figures for the benefit of the living.

France's minister for European affairs, Pierre Moscovici, has told the French Parliament that the deal between the two countries should be signed in "the next few days".

He was speaking in response to a question in the parliament during an examination of an international convention aimed at stopping the smuggling in cultural treasures.

About $10bn (£7bn) worth of art treasures are stolen and traded around the world every year, according to French insurance group, Argos.

Criticised

Hundreds of primitive art relics have been removed from Nigeria over the last 50 years, with many pieces sold on the open art market.

The former French president Jacques Chirac was strongly criticised when the Nok statues were bought for the Louvre from a Belgian art dealer.

Mr Chirac is a passionate admirer of primitive art and was a key supporter of the Louvre's decision to open a wing of the museum devoted to its works.

The Nok pieces will be displayed in a new museum, currently under construction close to the Eiffel tower in Paris.

Earlier this year the Nigerian parliament called for the return of Nigerian works of art in the British Museum.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2589813228_8a8c120697_o.jpg

wood metal grass cowrie shells beads Classic Mumuye couple from Nigeria. They have a beautiful patina and color

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/2591181447_6e6f8001a6_o.jpg

Bowl on a Stand; 9th–10th century
Presumed from Igbo Isaiah, Igbo-Ukwu
Leaded bronze; H. 8 in. (20.3 cm)
National Museum, Lagos, Nigeria

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2591206699_3207f0f4cb_o.jpg

The depiction of equestrian figures on plaques is very rare in Benin. We know of only one comparable plaque, located in Vienna's Museum of Ethnology. Both works depict horsemen in three-quarter profile and feature a three-dimensional rendering of the horsemen's crown and his horse's head. The fact that the headdress extends past the plaque's borders, detached from and towering above the rest of the work, creates an especially dynamic effect.

The headdress and clothing - especially the cowry-decorated tunic - are reminiscent of those worn by the free-standing statues of horsemen; presumably, those equestrian figures represent the same person as the one depicted on this plaque. It is often assumed that all portrayals of horsemen are meant to be the king Oranmiyan because he is said to have introduced horses to Benin. The unusual clothing of this horseman, however, does not support this contention. The headdress, too, is uncommon for Benin, more reminiscent of that worn by kings from Ife.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2592054338_37573c13a4_o.jpg

The Sculpture: Queen Mother Head, from Benin

The Date: early sixteenth century

The Medium: bronze

The Dimensions: 20 inches high

In the Collection of: National Museum, Lagos, Nigeria

Native Arts of Africa

The Kingdom of Benin was formed in the eleventh century, and it flourished as a powerful city-state between the fourteenth and nineteenth centuries in what is now Nigeria. Early in Benin history,
artists worked primarily for the royal family.
Because copper and zinc, the alloys used to make bronze, had to be imported to Benin, bronze was a potent symbol of wealth. It was also spiritually significant.
The Queen Mother was an important figure in the royal household and was often consulted by the king on important matters.
She was revered for her power and wisdom.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2592087052_a3f59066fa_o.jpg

Hornblower
Benin, Nigeria
17th/18th century
Bronze

The figure wears an ornate wrap-around skirt and a poncho that leaves the sides of his torso exposed, held in place with a belt adorned with an animal mask. In typical fashion, the waistcloth is decorated with a stiff, pointed appendage, while the horn is remarkably straight and held in abnormally long hands.

In the Viennese Catalogue (which contains an extensive description of a similar figure), Barbara Blackmun describes the helmet as a "beehive-like cap" adorned with upright feathers "in which a pattern of wavy lines is engraved." Around his neck, the figure wears a leopard-claw necklace.
In the literature, this figure is usually seen as a court official whose job it was to herald the arrival of the Oba's royal entourage with the blow of his horn during public processions. Because the figure is often depicted on plaques alongside warriors, it can also be assumed that he had certain military obligations. Barbara Blackmun suggests that he and other musicians may have accompanied military campaigns. And yet here, the hornblower wears luxurious clothing and is therefore more likely dressed for a specific festival or celebration than for a war

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2591282427_037fdab1f2_o.jpg

Ife / Benin Bronze Mask
Origin: Nigeria
Circa: 14 th Century AD

BENIN WARRIORS

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2442768876_16a24984f6_b.jpg
14TH CENTURY

IVORY MASK

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2610307571_a879dbd4f9_o.jpg
PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE NIGERIA'S TREASURE IN A FOREIGN LAND

THE WARRIOR KING

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2610651387_f4a6e48238_o.jpg
17TH CENTURY

THE WARRIORS

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2610660709_6aa8bfaf53_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2611506542_e93c3d4092_o.jpg

HRH, KING OF ABRAKA

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/2611424210_90843fdabb_o.jpg

THE ROYAL COUPLE

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2611530708_06af2ae63f_o.jpg
IFE, 19TH CENTURY

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2611530636_81602992c2_o.jpg
Prominent Figure with Kola Nut Box, 17TH CENTURY

THE MASK, EDO

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/2367680850_2f21fb06dc_o.jpg
19th century

THE MASK WITH HORNS

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2626882777_a8d9059ebc_o.jpg

Efik people, Cross River area. 17th century.
From the “African Vision” exhibit in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art in Washington, DC. One of 88 objects from a collection of 525, ranging in age from the late 1400’s to the mid-1900’s.

THE MASK, EDO PEOPLE

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/2626899239_0fec30db15_o.jpg

This mask was made of copper alloy, a mixture of copper and zinc or tin, and iron in the 1700s. It is decorated in the Benin Kingdom court style, by the Edo peoples of Nigeria. All the animals figures on the surface are symbols of the power of the king, or Oba, of Benin, in Nigeria. The oba is the most powerful person in the kingdom and can be generous as well as fearsome. Today, the Oba is HRH Erediauwa, who lives with members of his court in the palace in Benin City

THE MASK FROM URHOBO PEOPLE, NIGERIA

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2627732158_e1a4441cf5_o.jpg
14th century

Oba Ewuakpe

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2074/2626929881_9c4223f8ac_o.jpg

The central figure here is Oba Ewuakpe who became the king of Benin around 1700

Leopard Aquamanile

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/2637363997_87738bd84a_o.jpg

An aquamanile is a pitcher for ritual washings. This one was used for the washing of the Oba, (the king). It's filled through the head and the water flowed out of the mouth

Terracotta sculpture of a head

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/2638131460_4a4675760c_o.jpg

This sculpture is from the Ife culture, 12-15th century.

Bottle In Female Form

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2596713779_bba33d3a7b_o.jpg

A bottle showing a pregnant woman. It's not very common for the culture of Benin to show women. This was probably used to store medicine. 18th century

BENIN MASK

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2579176496_e0c5c2882f_o.jpg
A VERY RARE BRONZE MASK

Uhunmwun Elao

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/2692584650_87995dedde_o.jpg

Memorial head of an uhunmwun elao, the mother of a king.

15th/16th century, Nigeria/Benin.

CALABAR MONOLITH

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2700233455_28b1ff361c_o.jpg
IN FRENCH MUSEUM

Not even up to a quarter of our heritage is in our museums. Ah, the irony..

^^True!!!

THE LOST ANCIENT AFRICAN ALPHABET(CALABAR)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/2703410993_8ac1d21e78_o.jpg

The writing of the Abakua secret society, transplanted by violence from Calabar to Cuba. (This writing is by Alexis Gelabert of Havana, Cuba)

NOK HEAD

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2704338588_30ebe57154_o.jpg

Nok culture, 500 - 200 CE, terracotta

POT ON STAND

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2703516715_d92414ec83_o.jpg

Igbo-ukwu Roped Pot on a Stand, Igbo-Ukwu culture, 9th - 10th century, leaded bronze

SCULPTURE

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2704341420_a5d466da5f_o.jpg
ILE-IFE 12th century (the sculpture is in Musée du Louvre, Paris)

MASKS

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2719711446_4ce9ba8e00_b.jpg

BOKI & EJAGHAM PEOPLE OF CROSS RIVER STATE, 19th century ( masks in washington museum)

MALE FIGURE TERRACOTTA

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2718888911_1480bf42fb_b.jpg
FROM SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA (YORUBA)

THE ROYAL ROBES

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2031/2728837617_33fa82fe29_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/2728837487_21b7ccd93e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/2728837373_f933892526_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2728836997_889c5e9d8a_o.jpg

ROYAL ROBES

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2728837259_b31658b914_o.jpg
GBONG GWOM JOS

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/2728837171_e9a03ce967_o.jpg
OBONG OF CALABAR

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2728837099_5dd0e75815_o.jpg
EMIR OF LAFIA

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2729667456_1731eb6858_o.jpg
RULER OF NASARAWA

Head of a King

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2703516951_3cc3337d7e_o.jpg
ife Head said to represent the usurper Lajuwa, Yoruba culture, Ife, Nigeria, 1200 - 1300 CE, terracotta

Ritual vessel

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2703516037_0df4a43a4a_o.jpg

Yoruba Ritual Vessel from Ife, Yoruba culture, 13th - 14th century, terracotta

NIGERIA'S TREASURES

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2781506743_67f178bc8d_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2782364708_625d268fa0_b.jpg
IN BRITISH MUSEUM

THE KING'S WRIST BANGLES

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2781504607_7fbf099f57_b.jpg
17th century Benin Kingdom

NIGERIA'S HERITAGE

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2454542497_6207fbf387_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2039/2454542389_bc48b34e49_o.jpg

BENIN PLAQUE

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/2704339262_f4ac073758_o.jpg

Warrior Chief Flanked by Warriors and Attendants, Benin culture, Nigeria, 1550 - 1650 BCE, brass

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2837124795_dc2f7a6916.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/2837144401_7b9a07fcb9.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2837961380_fb48a23875.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2837966294_5a26d7a826.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/2837969112_8a9dabc07e.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/2837137071_3fbf94f2e9.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2837123713_f1ab2074be.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2837124275_4cf08cfbbf.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2837957826_7f1a166cba.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/2837959782_bf44b5558a.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2837957334_3d60bb7f15.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/2837134517_3e862aa5d4.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/2837954744_0fd78a426c.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2203/2837126107_1a60ce5223.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2837956208_8a81f28abc.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2837963044_696573cd46.jpg?v=0

poterie - cameroun et nigeria

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2846455308_fb1d6a4653.jpg?v=1221069341

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2916962069_0c438c71cd.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3181/2917803146_bf4266e9f1.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/2917806430_04e32b90f6.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2917802840_eebae07437.jpg?v=0

your pictures are fantastic
i

your pictures are fantastic
i will use some

your pictures are fantastic
i will use some for my new

your pictures are fantastic
i will

your pictures are fantastic
i will use some for my

your pictures are fantastic
i will use some for my new magazine

Divination board, Yoruba peoples, possibly Owo region, Nigeria, Late 19th to early 20th century, Wood

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2927792718_a1784cf399_o.jpg

For serious problems, the Yoruba go to an ifa diviner to consult Orunmila, the god of fate. A numerical pattern is obtained and recorded on the divination board. The diviner then recites the verses related to the numerical pattern.
The board's low-relief images can refer to deities, sacrificial animals or client problems. The face on the board represents Eshu, the messenger of the gods and a force of chance and change. The figures smoking a pipe probably also represent Eshu. The birds biting snakes suggest cosmic battles and sacrifices, as do the rams' heads with mudfish tendrils. The two curving mudfish and the crab are creatures capable of moving in two realms. The heads with the triangular crowns resemble mudfish and are images of kingship, beings of two worlds
(thanks to cliff from Flickr)

Funerary vessel, Possibly Efik peoples, lower Cross River region, Calabar area, Nigeria, Early 20th century, Wood, skin, plant fiber, bone, dye

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2926913270_2820c7ab2f_o.jpg

Skin-covered masks in Africa are found only in southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon. Historical evidence suggests that the peoples of this region regard skin as a substance associated with the spirits of the dead and their animal counterparts. The facial features are realistically portrayed. The spiral horns are similar to the hairstyles worn by girls during a ceremony marking the end of their seclusion prior to marriage.
(Thanks to Cliff from flickr)

Mask, Kalabari Ijo peoples, Nigeria, Early 20th century, Wood, pigment

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2926042685_14019a412f_o.jpg

Male Figure, Igbo peoples, Amogdu Abiriba, Cross River region, Nigeria, Early to mid-20th century, Wood, pigment

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2926846748_9734a95dee_o.jpg

This figure probably represented a community's founding ancestor or a warrior and was one of a large number of monumental figures kept in the men's meetinghouse to guard the private areas from intrusion. It likely was part of a group that included the founding ancestor's wife and other members of the village, such as warriors and hunters. Besides its size, the most striking feature is the broad, bold use of color that reinforces the strength of the carving. Among the Igbo, such figures are sculpted by men and painted by women. This is one of only two published terracotta Oshugbo figures; others are copper alloy
(thanks to Cliff from flickr)

Mask, Artist: Attributed to Ajere Elewe of Epe, Yoruba peoples, Opin area, Nigeria, Late 19th to mid-20th century, Wood, pigment

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3089/2926850118_1abc422a1c_o.jpg

One of the names for this mask is oloju foforo, which means "the owner of the deep-set eyes" and refers to the holes through which the wearer sees. It is also called epa oloyiya, or "owner of combs." Projections from the head hold symbolic value for the Yoruba. The combs on this mask may serve as symbols of the life force inherent in all living things as well as a mark of honor to a Yoruba woman's spiritual self or inner head.
This type of mask is unique to a dozen villages populated by the Opin Yoruba clan in the northeast region of Yorubaland. According to field informants, it was one of three epa masks that belonged to one family and appeared during the funerals for the family and the local ruler.

Mask, Artist: Attributed to Takim Eyuk (died c. 1915), Akparabong peoples, Cross River region, Nigeria, c. 1900-1915, Wood, skin, dye, iron

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2926854024_a7169871d4_o.jpg

This four-faced helmet mask represents a man and his three wives, a person of wealth and stature in the community. During the late 19th century the trade in palm oil brought wealth and trade items to the Cross River region. Artistic activity flourished and artists created many forms of skin-covered masks, both serene and grotesque, for wealthy patrons associated with influential age-grade and men's societies.
(thanks to Cliff from flickr)

Mask, Idoma peoples, Nigeria, c. 1920-40, Wood, pigment, metal

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2927785662_239edd6141_o.jpg

Despite the distinctive depiction of scarification, the source and use of this mask is difficult to pin down. It is from an area where art moved across ethnic divisions and among several associations. It may have been used in the formal funeral, not burial, of a mask society member, for entertainment or to keep order in the community.

Bowl with Figures, Artist: Olowe of Ise (c. 1875-c. 1938), Yoruba peoples, Ekiti region, Nigeria, Early 20th century, Wood, paint

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2926925393_6dd5e91257_o.jpg

Sculptor to kings, Olowe of Ise is still honored among the Yoruba. His praise song says that he could carve iroko wood as though it was as soft as a gourd. The delicacy and dramatic composition of this bowl exemplify his talent, which embodies the standards of Yoruba art in iconography and proportions yet pushes them to their limits and redefines the rules.
This prestige bowl, owned by someone of high status, likely held kola nuts, a traditional gesture of hospitality presented to guests and offered to deities during rituals
(Thanks to Cliff from Flickr)

Crown, Yoruba peoples, Ekiti region, Ikere, Nigeria, Early 20th century, Glass beads, cloth, plant fiber, iron

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/2926941603_78b2ca71c1_o.jpg

A beaded crown with veil is the defining symbol of divine kingship among the Yoruba and holds the combined powers of the living king and the ancestors. The crown's material, form, pattern and color all proclaim the king's sacred power and authority. The frontal face represents Oduduwa, the divine founder and first king of Ile-Ife, the sacred first city of the Yoruba.
The birds refer to dangerous spiritual powers and the king's ability to control them. The chameleon, which in the creation myths of the Yoruba is said to have preceded man to the newly formed earth, symbolizes change and is all seeing. Highly unusual and hard to define are the large, three-dimensional human figures.

Armlet, Yoruba peoples, Owo region, Nigeria, 16th century, Ivory

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2926904278_87a76e09ce_o.jpg

The artist's technical virtuosity is evident in this extraordinary armlet carved from one piece of ivory. The motifs on the outer interlocking piece include kneeling hunchbacks holding tethered monkeys. Hunchbacks are regarded as touched by the god Obatala who shapes the human form in the womb. White is the symbolic color of Obatala and may tie in with the use of ivory for this bracelet. The theme of ritual offerings is suggested by the disembodied heads within the interlocking circles of crocodiles biting the heads and tails of mudfish and by the tethered monkeys.

Crown, Yoruba peoples, Nigeria, Late 19th to early 20th century, Copper alloy

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/2927803934_ec02bd2b22_o.jpg

The four staring faces are said to represent the all-seeing gods or ancestors. Their protruding eyes signify when the spiritual eye replaces ordinary vision. The two figures with mudfish legs refer to supernatural powers in two realms, land and water-or reality and spirit. The projecting stem of the crown may allude to stored spiritual power in the wearer's head and also show that the wearer is exempt from everyday chores such as the carrying of loads on one's head.

Mask, Idoma peoples, Nigeria, c. 1950, Wood, paint, fur, iron nails

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2926890268_4e9460b41b_o.jpg

Multifaced masks are rare among the Idoma peoples. Most Idoma masks were formerly used for social control, but now appear at Christmas, at funerals and for entertainment. The birds eating ripe fruit may refer to the harvest.

Bowl with lid, Artist: Attributed to Areogun of Osi-Ilorin (1880-1954), Yoruba peoples, Ekiti region, Nigeria, Early 19th to mid-20th century, Wood, pigment, iron

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2926056837_feced15791_o.jpg

Areogun was a prolific artist and carved many doors, house posts, masks and lidded bowls. This lidded bowl is typical of Areogun's best work-including the low-relief figures arranged in an orderly, tight composition. Several of the figures and attributes on the bowl suggest an association with Shango, god of thunder. Other images recall Eshu, the divine messenger and trickster, and Ogun, god of iron.
The spherical form and the lid's arches pierced by an iron spike suggest the Yoruba cosmos-a universe where change and transformation and interdependence and interaction are ever present.

Diviner's bag, Yoruba peoples, Oyo region, Nigeria, Early 20th century, Glass beads, cloth

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2926860702_0404fc796c_o.jpg

Only kings and those who communicate with the gods are allowed to own totally beaded objects. This bag was used by a diviner to carry his ritual objects. Because the devotees of any god may consult a diviner, the colored strands of beads forming the fringe may refer to many of the gods in the Yoruba pantheon: alternating red and white beads for Shango, god of thunder; white beads for Obatala, creator of mankind; black beads for Eshu, the messenger of the gods; deep blue, yellow and maroon for three river goddesses. The alternating beads of green and tan on the shoulder strap are associated with Orunmila, the god of destiny and divination

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/3035234937_c82ee16ee1_o.jpg
MASK FROM EDO, 17th Century

Igbo people, Nigeria, lower Cross River, 19th-20th century

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/3035235893_5fc025b3c6_o.jpg

The Sacred Forest in Oshogbo

http://i.pbase.com/g3/11/518811/2/57832763.Nigeria132.jpg

http://k53.pbase.com/g3/11/518811/2/57832764.Nigeria134.jpg

http://k41.pbase.com/g3/11/518811/2/57832766.Nigeria136.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g3/11/518811/2/57832767.Nigeria140.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/3200239738_fcd435d489_o.jpg
Figure of Esu, Yoruba

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3346381585_d68233307f_o.jpg
ca. 14th-15th century

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/3743437942_cd09c5f290_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2624/3853296242_f2f5e807cf_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3853296026_eb339d8234_o.jpg
Bronze Figure of a Huntsman

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3853295900_07465d03f7_o.jpg
Benin Ram's Head Hip Mask (brass)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3486/3852504397_065596c3e4_o.jpg
Benin Ivory Salt Cellar 1600

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3852504309_3601dd05cf_o.jpg
Benin Edo Ivory Standing Female Figure 1800

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/3853294534_33182403d3_o.jpg
Edo Double Gong (ivory) 1600

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/3852503427_f40e52fa97_o.jpg
13th-14th century Ife Copper Casting

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/3853293630_8ceb7a7682_o.jpg
Yoruba Epa Headdress 19th century

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/3853293458_38278b614f_o.jpg
Yoruba Bowl by Olowe of Ise 1835

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3852501983_f823dd77fe_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/3853294454_ddc763e218_o.jpg
Yoruba Magbo Helmet Mask 1900

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3853294322_94110a1013_o.jpg
Yoruba Mask for Gelede Masquerade 19th century

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3852502831_e3ba0e5ae2_o.jpg
Yoruba Veranda Post 10th century

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3852502765_cc88ce60aa_o.jpg
Edo Peoples Court of Benin - 15th-16th cent. Saltceller. Portuguese Figures (Metropolitan Museum of Art, Ivory)15th century

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3852501859_10260ee616_o.jpg
Igbo Mask 19th century

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/3852501635_a130f565f1_o.jpg
Igbo Cap Mask 18th century

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/3865850066_286d53ffc3_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3865063505_05d5b89ebf_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/3865848656_d92d4eb283_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2514/3893292050_c5c1b232a0_b.jpg
Eket, early 20th Century

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/3892500955_c8304ee7a0_o.jpg
Eket, 20th century

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/3865847876_d3dd0945a7_o.jpg
Kingdom of Benin, 16th century

[QUOTE=Håkønljzberg;21774670]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2583147599_42e89f989c_o.jpg

Abeokuta, the Capital of Ogun State Nigeria, is earliest entry point of Christianity, as it is known now, in Nigeria.[/Q
On the feast of St Peter 1864, Rev Samuel A Crowther was consecrated Bishop by Canterbury in England. In January 1889 Bishop Crowther accepted the request from the Ibanis to upgrade their church to a cathedral. He made St Stephens BONNY his cathedral, and his throne is still in the cathedral till this day. So St Stephens cathedral Bonny is the first cathedral church in Nigeria. Pictures of the cathedral next posting.

^^Thanks for the info, lesgrin1

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4233518367_1e0cbf164e_o.jpg
the leopard

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4233517333_d043c1d850_o.jpg
old wooden door Yoruba carving

Wow!!!!! beautiful sculpturs,terra cottas,bronze,metal figures
Our pre-colonial history was undoubtedly fantastivc.
Btw:the Yorubas have so many artistic artefacts!

Wow!!!!! beautiful sculpturs,terra cottas,bronze,metal figures
Our pre-colonial history was undoubtedly fantastivc.
Btw:the Yorubas have so many artistic artefacts! also the Edo/Benin people.

A lost wax cast of a ram's head from Igbo-Ukwu, eastern Nigeria, 9th century

http://comps.fotosearch.com/bigcomps/IST/IST527/2326005.jpg

A bronze ceremonial wine bowl, Igbo Ukwu, Nigeria, 9th century

http://comps.fotosearch.com/bigcomps/IST/IST527/2330001.jpg

A lost wax cast vessel, Igbo-Ukwu, eastern Nigeria, 9th century

http://comps.fotosearch.com/bigcomps/IST/IST527/2326006.jpg

Bronze stand incorporating images of a warrior, Igbo Ukwu, Nigeria, 9th-10th century

http://comps.fotosearch.com/bigcomps/IST/IST527/2329999.jpg

Bronze bowl cast by the 'lost wax' method, Igbo Ukwu, Nigeria, 9th century

http://comps.fotosearch.com/bigcomps/IST/IST527/2330000.jpg

Seatting figure - Esie - Nigeria

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni80.jpg

Figure seatting with sword - Hands - Esie - Nigeria

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni79.jpg

Figure seatting with sword - Face - Esie - Nigeria

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni78.jpg

Figure seatting with sword - Esie - Nigeria

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni77.jpg

Antiquities Bust of an Oni- Ife - Nigeria

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni27.jpg

Antiquities Bust of an Oni - face- Ife - Nigeria

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni28.jpg

Antiquities Figure of an Oni - Detail - brass and lead - Ife - Nigeria

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni38.jpg

Antiquities Figure of an Oni - brass and lead - Ife - Nigeria

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni37.jpg

Antiquities Mask of the Oba Obalufon - Frontal - Ife

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni36.jpg

Antiquities Mask of the Oba Obalufon - Ife

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni35.jpg

Antiquities Head crowned of Oni - Frontal- Ife

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni25.jpg

Antiquities Head crowned of Oni - Profile - Ife

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni26.jpg

Plate with officials of court - bronze- Benin

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni67.jpg

Plate with musician of court - bronze - Benin

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni65.jpg

Plate with king in order of war - Benin

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni68.jpg

Head of ram - Bronze - Owo

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni51.jpg

Head of ram - Bronze - Detail - Owo

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni52.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4485273000_0d4a5d20a2_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2735/4484622447_93730387b7_o.jpg

I mildly saw some of these images on CNN on African heritage museum.

Nok Sculptures

http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/afa/reserves/poynor/arh3525/NokHead4.jpg

http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/afa/reserves/poynor/arh3525/NokHead3.jpg

http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/afa/reserves/poynor/arh3525/NokFigure2.jpg

http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/afa/reserves/poynor/arh3525/nok9.jpg

iVT--v-fAKw&

EB4TVq8ek8s

Nh2Tac1gNPU

GZ9yP3EJ-H0

The Benin empire was truly a great one indeed

Tada

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni29.jpg

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni30.jpg

Leopardo - Igbo-Ukwu

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni22.jpg

http://www.jemolo.com/alta/imgni21.jpg

Some Best Places to be visited in Nigeria are:
1. Osun Osobgo
2. Lagos
3. Yankari Game Reserve
4. Kano City
5. Anambra.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wT44yVchFEg/SXIiOx1ibAI/AAAAAAAAIAY/XYD_fZpF_aQ/s576/100_1050.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6_Ql_cwLZLA/SXIiPFaIG7I/AAAAAAAAXmo/-HtIMRvzJ_k/s576/100_1049.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZFQmvRrhxMs/SXJThz8is2I/AAAAAAAAINU/ZjGSveEErWM/s800/100_1565.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m2Mx1w9_TvE/SXDgxj7b1KI/AAAAAAAAHh4/nJJw8bgqDgU/s576/100_1013.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bxKe_7AluRc/SXDgzGN2-5I/AAAAAAAAHiE/jIUeWQzCOV8/s576/100_1014.JPG