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Nigerian Crafts
The Heart of Africa
Crafts are symbol of Nigeria's material and spiritual heritage. Crafts are well integrated into the living patterns of Nigerians and inseparable from their spiritula philosophies. They are therefore prized objects for the promotion of tourism and preservation of heritage.
Essentially, Nigeria crafts are grouped into textiles, pottery and ceramics, fiber crafts, bronze, brass and iron works, woodworks, calabash decorations, leather works, ivory works, jewelry etc. .
Textiles
Nigeria is renowned for rich variety of designs, colours, materials and production techniques of its textile craftsmen. The traditional embroidery, weaving, tie-dye, and recast technique and modern work in silk-screen priniting are well known for years. Akwete, Ibadan, Oshogbo, Kano, Abeokuta, Oyo, Bida, Ado Ekiti, Ishan, Jukun have important centres for textile of all kinds.
Ceramic Abuja has been the most well known influence in modern Nigerian pottery. The potteries are to be found in Ishiagu, Afikpo, Okigwe and Bone areas,(of Eastern Nigeria), Naraguta, Zaria, Wukari and Yola areas(or Nothern States), the Akoko Abohl as well as Ife and Abeokuta(of Western States).
Wood Carving The figure carvings and low relief decorations on panel in traditional style represent one of the most important forms of arts in Nigeria. Often works are in white wood, iroko as well as ebony. The leading wood carvers are in Benin, Igbomina, Ekiti, Ife, Oyo, Awka, Afikpo, Ikot-Ekpene, Nupeland, Igbira, Chamba and Mana.
Calabashes Oyo, the ancient political centre of Yoruba people is most noted for calabash carvings in Nigeria. Other states particularly Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Sokoto, Adamawa produce richly decorative and beautiful burnt-on or engraved geometric designed calabashes which are widely used for everyday need as contained on wall decorations.
Leathers The decoration of hides and leather by applique technique and the sharing and printing of designs and pattern on them is a craft for which the Northern States of Nigeria are well known. Naraguta in Jos, Sokoto, Kano, Maiduguri and Oyo areas are well known centres of leather crafts. Pouffes, interlaced bags, sandals, are produced from the various methods.
Rafia and Glass Weaving The craftsmen and women of Ikot-Ekpene, Warri, Maiduguri and Brass, produce beautiful designs of bracelts, caneworks and richly coloured mats and screens, the Nupe as well as the waterside areas of Ijebuland produce distinct mats.
Glass Work Glass beads are used mainly for ornamental purposes for making patterns or covering whole or parts of other objects, masks or dresses. Bida is famous for its beads made from recycled grass
Ivory Carvings This is an area in which Benin craftsmen have excelled. The works of these craftsmen and the ancient carvers are also among the most beautiful works of Nigerian art. In Enugu and Awka areas of Eastern Nigeria, other styles in form of bangles and other fashion accessories and musical instruments exist.
Metal Works Decorative metal works are produced either by beating or casting the metal to produce uneven texture andbeautiful patterns. They range from simple blacksmithing, including decorative wrought iron grilles, to the sophisticated craft of making time quality jewelry in gold and sliver, traditional bronze figure casting of the Edo and Mumuye and brass trays of Bida. The women make the decorative combs and hairpins, used by Efik.
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King Sunny Ade and African Beats, as well as D'banj are expected to re-enact some of their chart bursting hits at Valentine Show in Water-Parks, Ikeja.
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| Nigerian Proverb |
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A fowl does not forget where it lays it eggs.
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| Natural Attractions |
| Nigeria has abundant physical attractions ranging from hills, waterfalls, springs, lakes and mountains across the lenght and breadth of the Country. |
| Man Made Attractions |
| These have been created by ingenuity of Nigerians to provide relaxtion. Examples include Obudu Ranch, Whispering Palms, Gembu Resort, Chammah Park and Rayfield Resort. |
| Cultural Attraction |
| The cultural assests of Nigeria are among the most fascinating in Africa, some of which include the Eyo in Lagos, Osun Oshogbo and Durbar. |
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