Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: Second Term
Week: 1
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Traditional Crafts and Design
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: INDIGENOUS DECORATIVE MOTIF
Subject Matter: Meaning of indigenous decorative motif (traditional designs used for decoration), calabash decoration, types of patterns, functions and usage of calabash, foreign influence and value on decoration.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define indigenous decorative motifs.
Identify various types of patterns used in indigenous decorations.
Explain the functions and usage of decorated calabashes.
Discuss the influence of foreign elements on indigenous decorations.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the cultural value of indigenous decorative motifs.
Show interest in preserving traditional art forms.
Value the aesthetic qualities of decorated objects.

Psychomotor Domain:

Observe and identify patterns on decorated objects.
Demonstrate simple pattern creation or weaving techniques.
Sketch basic indigenous decorative patterns.

Share ideas on the cultural significance of indigenous motifs.
Collaborate in identifying and discussing different patterns.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Oluokun, A. A. (2018). Visual Arts for Senior Secondary Schools 2. Learn Africa Plc.
https://www.nigerianarts.com/indigenous-motifs
https://www.culturalheritage.gov.ng/calabash-art

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Pictures or charts showing various indigenous decorative motifs.
Examples of decorated calabashes.
Knife.
Raffia cane or strips of cardboard.
Paper and drawing materials.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson enables pupils to understand and appreciate traditional Nigerian decorative designs, which helps them recognize the cultural heritage embedded in everyday objects. Learning about these motifs also encourages creativity and the preservation of indigenous art forms.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are familiar with different art forms and have seen or used various decorated objects in their homes and communities.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

INDIGENOUS DECORATIVE MOTIF

Meaning of Indigenous Decorative Motifs

Indigenous decorative motifs are traditional designs, patterns, or symbols that are native to a particular culture or ethnic group. These motifs are used for decoration on various objects, textiles, and body art, often carrying cultural, historical, or symbolic meanings.

Characteristics of Indigenous Decorative Motifs

They are often geometric, abstract, or stylized representations of natural elements (animals, plants) or human figures.
They reflect the beliefs, values, and environment of the community.
They are usually passed down through generations.
They can be found on pottery, textiles, carvings, body adornments, and architectural structures.

Calabash Decoration

Calabash decoration involves carving, incising, or burning patterns onto the dried shell of a calabash gourd. This traditional craft is widely practiced in many Nigerian cultures, transforming a simple utilitarian object into a work of art.

Types of Patterns in Calabash Decoration

The patterns used in calabash decoration are varied and include:

Geometric Patterns: Such as circles, triangles, squares, lines, and zigzags.
Abstract Patterns: Stylized forms that do not represent specific objects but are visually appealing.
Symbolic Patterns: Motifs that convey specific meanings, proverbs, or cultural narratives.
Naturalistic Patterns: Depictions of leaves, flowers, animals, or human figures, often stylized.

Functions and Usage of Calabash

Decorated calabashes serve various purposes in Nigerian societies:

Utensils: Used for serving food and drinks, especially during traditional ceremonies.
Storage: For keeping valuables, seeds, or food items.
Musical Instruments: Used as resonators for instruments like the shekere.
Ritual and Ceremonial Objects: Used in traditional religious rites and festivals.
Decoration: As household ornaments and art pieces.
Gifts: Exchanged as gifts to signify respect or friendship.

Foreign Influence and Value on Decoration

Foreign influences have impacted indigenous decorative motifs in several ways:

Introduction of New Materials: Such as synthetic dyes, beads, and glitter, which are incorporated into traditional designs.
New Tools and Techniques: Modern carving tools or digital design methods can influence the execution of motifs.
Change in Aesthetic Preferences: Exposure to foreign art styles can lead to the adaptation or modification of traditional designs to appeal to a wider or contemporary audience.
Commercialization: Foreign markets often value indigenous crafts, leading to mass production and sometimes a loss of original symbolic meaning for purely aesthetic appeal.
Fusion of Styles: Blending traditional motifs with contemporary or foreign design elements to create unique pieces.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention any decorated objects they have seen or used at home or in their community.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning various decorated items like clothes, pots, or calabashes.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge of decorated objects.

Step 2: Meaning of Indigenous Decorative Motifs

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of indigenous decorative motifs, using examples from Nigeria and showing pictures of various motifs.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and define indigenous decorative motifs in their own words.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition of indigenous decorative motifs.

Step 3: Types of Indigenous Motifs and Patterns (with Demonstration)

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates simple mat weaving with raffia cane or cardboard strips, highlighting how patterns are formed. The teacher also shows charts of different indigenous patterns like those found on Uli, Adire, or Nsibidi.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the weaving process and identify different patterns and motifs on the displayed materials.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and recognize various types of indigenous patterns.

Step 4: Calabash Decoration

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the process of calabash decoration and discusses the common types of patterns used, showing examples of decorated calabashes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils examine the decorated calabashes and describe the patterns they see.
Learning Point: Pupils understand calabash decoration and its patterns.

Step 5: Functions and Usage of Calabash

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Question and Answer
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils about the different ways calabashes are used in their homes and communities, then elaborates on their various functions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their knowledge of calabash usage and listen to the teacher’s explanations.
Learning Point: Pupils identify the various functions and uses of decorated calabashes.

Step 6: Foreign Influence on Decoration

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses how foreign materials, tools, and aesthetic preferences have influenced indigenous decorative motifs and their value.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by giving examples of foreign influences they have observed.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the impact of foreign influence on indigenous decoration.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What are indigenous decorative motifs?
Mention three types of patterns commonly found in indigenous decorations.
List four functions of decorated calabashes.
How has foreign influence affected indigenous decorative motifs?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of preserving indigenous art forms, and assigns homework for pupils to sketch two indigenous patterns.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further engagement with the topic.

Lesson Keywords

Indigenous – Native or originating from a particular place.
Motif – A decorative design or pattern.
Decorative – Serving to make something look more attractive.
Calabash – A dried, hollowed-out gourd used as a container or for decoration.
Pattern – A repeated decorative design.

Differentiation

For visual learners, the teacher will use more charts and actual decorated objects. Kinesthetic learners will benefit from the weaving demonstration and the opportunity to sketch patterns. Advanced learners can research and present on specific indigenous motifs from different Nigerian ethnic groups. Struggling learners will receive additional guidance and simpler examples during activities.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have a variety of visual aids, including actual decorated calabashes or high-quality pictures of various Nigerian indigenous motifs. Encourage pupils to bring examples from home if possible. Emphasize the cultural significance behind the designs, not just their aesthetic appeal. Allow pupils time to practice sketching simple patterns.