Six Enthralling Masterworks at the National Museum of Lagos
The National Museum of Lagos boasts of a notable collection of Nigerian art, carvings, archaeological and ethnographic exhibits. The museum was established in 1957 by the British archaeologist Kenneth Murray and holds some of the country’s most enthralling artefacts. Located in Onikan, Ikoyi, Lagos State; the National Museum of Lagos collects, preserves and promotes Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world. Today’s Saturday Small Chops spotlights six fascinating masterpieces at the museum.
Life on the Lagoon
Contemporary artist Nathaniel Hodonu best depicts modern life on the lagoon through an artistic representation. Recognized as the largest city in Africa and widely known for its lakes and lagoons, the artwork showcases and celebrates the life and hard work of the Lagos people.
A Female Sukur Warrior
The people of Sukur were known for being brave warriors. Besides this, the Sukur people were also known for their outstanding architecture. The Sukur people lived in the Sukur Cultural Landscape, which is today, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape is located on a hill above the village of Sukur in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The female Sukur sculpture at the National Museum depicts an indigenous Sukur woman protecting the land in her traditional attire.
Anyanwu
“Anyanwu” which means “eye of the sun” is a sculpture by Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu. This sculpture is made of bronze and depicts the female deity “Chi-Ukwu” rising from the ground with her flexible body arching towards the sky. The artwork is found at the entrance of the museum.
Dakakari Grave Sculpture
The Dakakari people are widely known for their funerary sculptures. These sculptures serve as markers and memorials in the grave of chiefs, warriors, renowned hunters and the social elite. Some of these human and animal artworks were found on skillfully sculpted graves made of clay. The Dakakari people live near Zuru in Sokoto State.
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Jollof Pot on Wheels
Jollof is one of our favourite foods in Nigeria. This is made with rice, lots of spicy ingredients and eaten with beef, chicken or fish. The huge Jollof pot at the entrance of the National Museum serves as a representation of the various communities in Nigeria coming together to share their love of food regardless of their culture or background.
Creative Coconut and Wood Carvings
Contemporary Nigerian artists are expressing themselves with various brilliant carvings. Largely inspired by the NOK culture, popular sculptor Nathaniel Hodonu explores the creative benefits of woods and coconut shells to create various imaginative and captivating artworks. At the National Museum, such artworks are showcased magnificently and hung beautifully on the wall.
With excellent collections of artefacts belonging to different cultures of the ethnic groups of Nigeria, estimated at 47,000 objects of different materials such as wood, ivory, metal and terracotta – the National Museum continues to tell the story of Nigerian art and culture to the world.
Have you ever visited the National Museum of Lagos, please share your experience with us?