This website covers the indigenous arts of Hausa Fulani, Yoruba and Ibo which covers the regions of West Africa, this art is found mainly in NIgeria. These three different ethnic groups make up the majority of Nigeria's population and culture. Even though these indigenous arts stem mainly from one country, one must not forget the different migrations and wars and religious bases that would greatly affect how the art came to me. One common factor, however, is that all of the art and art objects served a purpose. Whether this purpose was for daily everyday use, or for religious or traditional ceremonies, there was a purpose which defines the culture of the tribes. Ultimately, even though each tribe's indigenous art is different from one another, there are many times overlapping ideas and styles.
The Hausa Fulani tribe is 99% islamic and their total population is about 40 million people. The Yoruba tribe consists of 35 million people. They believe in their own Gods and deities and are quite superstitious. And the Ibo (also known as the Igbo) tribe had 30 million people and mainly believed in Christianity. These differences in religion from the part of Africa they are from would influence the way of thinking and most importantly architecture, which in turn affected the outcome of the art.
For example, for the Hausa Fulani art, influence of their Muslim religion can be seen in their various artworks, which include abstract patterns, spiritual colours, and often decorative and floral designs. Most of their artworks are somewhat related to their daily lives, such as farming, which implies that they were very respectful and always thankful for their lives. You can also see from all the artwork that they relate to their religion and beliefs and that their everyday objects also follow some architectural rules such as the Islamic dome shaped buildings for the bowls.
In comparison to the Yoruba tribes who believed in spirits and deities, explains their use and creation of art. Their common head sculptures symbolizes calling out to God wishing him to send luck and good omens. Because the Yoruba people believed in quality and long lasting objects, explains why they still preferred many bronze sculptures even if te material was complicated to use.
The Ibo tribes were mainly Christian, though the art was not directly related by Western Christian interpretations . The tribes were known to be very traditional, and had great respect for elders. This explains why their masks were only worn by the elders. They also used a lot of symbolism in their artworks, focusing on each point, which all represent different things.
The foundation of indigenous art is the country and community from where it is from. It is significant because it is like a visual history telling shown over time. These three tribes portray a long line of rich history and close knit communities through their crafts which is what indigenous art is all about.
The Hausa Fulani tribe is 99% islamic and their total population is about 40 million people. The Yoruba tribe consists of 35 million people. They believe in their own Gods and deities and are quite superstitious. And the Ibo (also known as the Igbo) tribe had 30 million people and mainly believed in Christianity. These differences in religion from the part of Africa they are from would influence the way of thinking and most importantly architecture, which in turn affected the outcome of the art.
For example, for the Hausa Fulani art, influence of their Muslim religion can be seen in their various artworks, which include abstract patterns, spiritual colours, and often decorative and floral designs. Most of their artworks are somewhat related to their daily lives, such as farming, which implies that they were very respectful and always thankful for their lives. You can also see from all the artwork that they relate to their religion and beliefs and that their everyday objects also follow some architectural rules such as the Islamic dome shaped buildings for the bowls.
In comparison to the Yoruba tribes who believed in spirits and deities, explains their use and creation of art. Their common head sculptures symbolizes calling out to God wishing him to send luck and good omens. Because the Yoruba people believed in quality and long lasting objects, explains why they still preferred many bronze sculptures even if te material was complicated to use.
The Ibo tribes were mainly Christian, though the art was not directly related by Western Christian interpretations . The tribes were known to be very traditional, and had great respect for elders. This explains why their masks were only worn by the elders. They also used a lot of symbolism in their artworks, focusing on each point, which all represent different things.
The foundation of indigenous art is the country and community from where it is from. It is significant because it is like a visual history telling shown over time. These three tribes portray a long line of rich history and close knit communities through their crafts which is what indigenous art is all about.
Above is a documentary on African tribal art.