Influence of Nigerian Art on Western Art for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Topic: Impact of Nigerian Art on Western Art
Subject Matter: Benin primitive and looted art works; Ife bronze heads Iron ceremonial screens; Yoruba carved doors, back and pillar post
Previous Lesson: Influence of African Art on Western Art and Vice Versa

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Identify specific Nigerian artworks that influenced Western art.
• State Western artists and art movements that were influenced by Nigerian art.
• Describe the characteristics of Nigerian artworks that appealed to Western artists.
• Explain the nature of the influence of Nigerian art on Western art.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the historical significance of Nigerian art in a global context.
• Value the cultural exchange and cross-cultural inspiration in art.
• Discuss the ethical implications surrounding the looting of Nigerian art.

Psychomotor Domain

• Analyse visual examples of Nigerian and Western art to identify points of influence.

Social Domain

• Participate in discussions about cultural heritage and artistic influence.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Visual Art textbook for Senior Secondary 3
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Slides showing images of Benin primitive and looted artworks
• Photographs of Ife bronze heads
• Images of Iron ceremonial screens
• Pictures of Yoruba carved doors, back and pillar posts
• Images of Western artworks influenced by Nigerian art (e.g., Picasso’s Cubist works, Matisse’s Fauvist pieces)
• Projector or large screen
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for understanding Nigeria’s significant contribution to global art history and the development of modern Western art. It helps students appreciate the richness of their cultural heritage and recognise how art transcends geographical boundaries, fostering cultural pride and a broader perspective on art movements.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils/students should have basic knowledge of different Nigerian art forms and a general understanding of the concept of art history.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Impact of Nigerian Art on Western Art

Introduction to Nigerian Art and Western Influence

Nigerian art forms, particularly those from the Benin Kingdom, Ife, and Yoruba cultures, played a pivotal role in shaping modern Western art movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Western artists, seeking new forms of expression beyond traditional academic styles, found inspiration in the aesthetic qualities, spiritual depth, and abstract forms of African art.

Benin Primitive and Looted Artworks

Benin art, primarily from the Kingdom of Benin (present-day Edo State), is renowned for its sophisticated bronze and ivory works. These include:

1. Bronze Plaques: Depicting historical events, court life, and rituals, often with stylised figures and intricate details.
2. Bronze Heads: Memorial heads of Obas (kings) and Queen Mothers, known for their idealised features and elaborate headdresses.
3. Ivory Carvings: Ornate tusks, masks, and figures demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship.

Many of these artworks were looted during the British Punitive Expedition of 1897 and subsequently displayed in Western museums and galleries. Their exposure profoundly influenced Western artists, particularly those associated with:

1. Primitivism: A Western art movement that drew inspiration from the art of non-Western cultures, often misinterpreting it as “primitive” or “savage” but valuing its perceived raw energy and directness.
2. Cubism: Artists like Pablo Picasso were inspired by the geometric abstraction, multiple perspectives, and stylised forms found in Benin bronzes and other African sculptures. The simplified, angular features and emphasis on form over naturalistic representation resonated with Cubist principles.
3. Expressionism: The emotional intensity and symbolic power of Benin art appealed to Expressionist artists who sought to convey inner feelings rather than objective reality.

Ife Bronze Heads

The ancient city of Ife (present-day Osun State) is famous for its highly naturalistic bronze and terracotta heads, dating back to the 12th-15th centuries. These works are characterised by:

1. Naturalism: Remarkable anatomical accuracy and lifelike facial features, often depicting scarification marks.
2. Idealisation: While naturalistic, they also convey a sense of ideal beauty and serenity, representing rulers and deities.

The discovery of Ife heads challenged Western perceptions of African art as solely “primitive” or abstract. Their sophisticated naturalism demonstrated a mastery of form and technique comparable to classical European sculpture, influencing Western artists to re-evaluate their understanding of non-Western artistic traditions and explore new approaches to representation.

Iron Ceremonial Screens

Iron ceremonial screens, often found in various Nigerian cultures (e.g., Yoruba, Edo), served functional and symbolic purposes in palaces, shrines, and sacred spaces. They are characterised by:

1. Intricate Patterns: Often featuring geometric designs, symbolic motifs, and stylised figures.
2. Symbolism: Each element typically carries deep cultural or spiritual meaning.
3. Integration with Architecture: Designed to be part of a larger architectural or ritualistic setting.

While less directly cited than Benin or Ife art, the aesthetic qualities of these screens, such as their abstract patterns, rhythmic compositions, and the integration of art into functional objects, could have inspired Western artists interested in decorative arts, abstract design, and the synthesis of art and environment.

Yoruba Carved Doors, Back and Pillar Posts

Yoruba wood carving is renowned for its elaborate and expressive forms, particularly seen in architectural elements like doors, back posts, and pillar posts. These carvings typically feature:

1. Narrative Scenes: Depicting daily life, historical events, mythological figures, and deities.
2. Figurative Forms: Stylised human and animal figures, often with exaggerated features to convey meaning or emotion.
3. Symbolic Motifs: Incorporating symbols that communicate cultural values, proverbs, or spiritual beliefs.

The bold sculptural forms, narrative richness, and integration of art into architectural structures found in Yoruba carvings appealed to Western artists seeking to break away from academic traditions. Artists were drawn to the directness of expression, the symbolic content, and the way these carvings transformed functional objects into powerful artistic statements, influencing modern sculpture and the exploration of form and narrative outside conventional Western aesthetics.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Observation, Question and Answer, Visual Analysis.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Elicitation/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils/students and asks them what they know about Nigerian art and if they think it has influenced other parts of the world. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Impact of Nigerian Art on Western Art.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students respond to the questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Topic introduction and prior knowledge activation

Step 2: Benin Primitive and Looted Artworks

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visual Presentation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays slides/photographs of Benin bronze plaques, heads, and ivory carvings. The teacher explains their origin, characteristics, and the historical context of their looting. The teacher then discusses how these artworks influenced Western artists like Picasso and movements like Cubism and Primitivism, highlighting specific visual connections.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students observe the images, listen to the explanation, and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Benin art influence on Western art

Step 3: Ife Bronze Heads

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Comparative Analysis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays images of Ife bronze heads, emphasising their naturalism and idealised features. The teacher explains how these works challenged Western notions of “primitive” art and broadened the scope of artistic inspiration for Western artists seeking new forms of representation.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students observe the images, compare them with previously seen art, and engage in discussion.

Learning Point: Ife art influence on Western art

Step 4: Iron Ceremonial Screens

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Description/Contextualisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows images of Iron ceremonial screens, describing their intricate patterns, symbolic motifs, and functional use. The teacher discusses how their abstract qualities and integration into architectural spaces could have inspired Western artists interested in decorative arts and abstract design.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students observe the images and consider their potential influence on Western art.

Learning Point: Iron screens’ aesthetic influence

Step 5: Yoruba Carved Doors, Back and Pillar Posts

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Artistic Analysis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents images of Yoruba carved doors, back posts, and pillar posts. The teacher highlights their narrative content, bold sculptural forms, and integration with architecture, explaining how these aspects appealed to Western artists seeking new forms of expression beyond traditional academic art.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students examine the carvings and discuss their artistic features and potential impact.

Learning Point: Yoruba carvings’ artistic impact

Step 6: General Discussion and Reinforcement

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Facilitation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a brief discussion, asking pupils/students to summarise the main ways Nigerian art influenced Western art and to identify any ethical considerations related to the display of looted art.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students participate in the discussion, sharing their understanding and opinions.

Learning Point: Summary of influence and ethics

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

1. Name two Nigerian art forms that influenced Western art.
2. Mention one Western art movement inspired by Nigerian art.
3. How did Benin bronzes influence Cubism?
4. What characteristic of Ife heads challenged Western perceptions of African art?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding Nigerian art influence

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the impact of Nigerian art on Western art into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the main points of the lesson, reiterating the significant and diverse impact of Nigerian art on the global art scene, particularly in shaping modern Western art. The teacher encourages pupils/students to continue appreciating their rich cultural heritage.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students listen and reflect on the lesson’s key takeaways.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of Nigerian art’s impact

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Research and write a short paragraph (not more than 100 words) on one specific Western artist (e.g., Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani) and how their work shows clear influence from Nigerian or other African art. Include an image of the artwork if possible.

1. Identify the Western artist.
2. Name a specific artwork by that artist.
3. Describe how Nigerian art influenced that artwork.

Lesson Keywords

• Benin Art – Artworks from the ancient Kingdom of Benin, famous for bronzes and ivories.
• Ife Art – Artworks from the ancient city of Ife, known for naturalistic bronze and terracotta heads.
• Yoruba Art – Artworks from the Yoruba people, including intricate wood carvings like doors and posts.
• Primitivism – A Western art movement inspired by the art of non-Western cultures.
• Cubism – An early 20th-century avant-garde art movement pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, influenced by African sculpture’s geometric forms.
• Expressionism – An early 20th-century art movement emphasising emotional expression over objective reality, also influenced by the emotional power of African art.
• Looted Art – Artworks taken from their original cultural context, often through colonial conquest or theft.
• Cultural Exchange – The sharing and adoption of ideas, customs, and artistic forms between different cultures.

Differentiation

For pupils/students who may struggle, provide simplified explanations and pre-selected images with clear labels. Encourage them to focus on identifying just one example of influence. For advanced learners, challenge them to research and present on a specific Western artwork and its direct Nigerian art influence, or to discuss the ethical debates surrounding the repatriation of looted art in greater detail.

Suggested Lesson Videos

YouTube search for “Influence of Nigerian art on Western art SS3”