Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Visual Art
Previous Lesson: Textile Designs: Drawing Basic Shapes From Arranged Objects.
Topic: NIGERIAN CULTURAL ARTS (200BC – 1900AD)
Subject Matter: Characteristic features of Nok arts, location and origin of Nok arts, characteristic features of Igbo-Ukwu arts, location and origin of Igbo-Ukwu arts, characteristic features of Benin and Ife arts, locations and origins of Benin and Ife arts

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

State the location and origin of Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, and Benin art cultures.
Describe the characteristic features of Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, and Benin art.
Identify examples of artworks from these cultures.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the historical significance and beauty of early Nigerian art.
Value the cultural heritage represented by these art forms.
Show interest in learning more about traditional Nigerian arts.

Psychomotor Domain:

Point out specific features of these art cultures when presented with images.
Sketch simple representations of some characteristic features.

Participate actively in discussions about the origins and features of Nigerian art cultures.
Share their understanding and observations with peers.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Cultural and Creative Arts (Senior Secondary).
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Visual Art.
Cultural and Creative Arts for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by J.B. Akolo.
https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/noku/hd_noku.htm
https://www.britannica.com/art/Igbo-Ukwu-art
https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/ife/hd_ife.htm
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/x10697

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Photographs of Nok terracotta heads, Igbo-Ukwu bronzes, Ife bronze and terracotta sculptures, and Benin bronzes.
Maps showing the locations of Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, and Benin.
Relevant textbooks and magazine illustrations of Nigerian cultural arts.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the rich history and artistic achievements of early Nigerian civilizations. Learning about these ancient art forms enables pupils to appreciate their cultural identity and the significant contributions of Nigerian artists to global art history.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have a general knowledge of Nigerian history and some basic understanding of art forms from their local communities.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

NIGERIAN CULTURAL ARTS (200BC – 1900AD)

1. Nok Art Culture (c. 500 BC – 200 AD)

Nok culture represents one of the earliest known art traditions in West Africa.

Location and Origin: The Nok culture originated in the central part of Nigeria, specifically in the Kaduna State area, near the village of Nok. Its influence spread across a wide area of the Benue River valley.

Characteristic Features: The following are characteristic features of Nok art:

Mainly terracotta (baked clay) sculptures.
Figures often depict human and animal forms.
Stylized representations with triangular or D-shaped eyes.
Elaborate hairstyles and jewellery are common.
Holes for eyes, nostrils, mouth, and ears are typical.

2. Igbo-Ukwu Art Culture (c. 9th Century AD)

The Igbo-Ukwu art culture is known for its sophisticated metalwork.

Location and Origin: This culture flourished in the southeastern part of Nigeria, specifically in Igbo-Ukwu town, Anambra State.

Characteristic Features: The following are characteristic features of Igbo-Ukwu art:

Predominantly bronze objects made using the lost-wax casting technique.
Elaborate and intricate designs, often featuring animals, insects, and symbolic patterns.
Objects include ceremonial vessels, staffs, ornate ritual items, and jewellery.
Remarkable attention to detail and craftsmanship.

3. Ife Art Culture (c. 11th – 15th Century AD)

Ife is considered the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people and produced highly naturalistic art.

Location and Origin: The Ife art culture originated in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, in southwestern Nigeria.

Characteristic Features: The following are characteristic features of Ife art:

Known for naturalistic and idealized human heads and figures.
Mainly made from terracotta, bronze, and sometimes stone.
Features include scarification marks, elaborate headdresses, and serene facial expressions.
Emphasis on realism and anatomical accuracy, particularly in the depiction of royalty.

4. Benin Art Culture (c. 13th – 19th Century AD)

The Benin Kingdom developed a highly refined art tradition, closely tied to its royal court.

Location and Origin: The Benin art culture flourished in the ancient Kingdom of Benin, located in present-day Edo State, southern Nigeria.

Characteristic Features: The following are characteristic features of Benin art:

Famous for its bronze plaques, commemorative heads, and sculptures.
Artworks often depict historical events, important figures, and court life.
Highly stylized, often with large heads and prominent features.
Emphasis on power, status, and the authority of the Oba (king).
Materials include bronze, ivory, and wood.

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 if they know any ancient Nigerian communities that produced art. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Nigerian Cultural Arts (200BC – 1900AD)” and explains that they will learn about some of the earliest and most important art cultures in Nigeria.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the topic and their interest is aroused.

Step 2: Presentation of Nok Art

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents images of Nok art and uses a map to show its origin in central Nigeria. The teacher explains the characteristic features of Nok art, such as terracotta material, stylized human forms, and D-shaped eyes. The teacher encourages pupils to observe the images carefully.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the images, locate Nok on the map, and listen to the teacher’s explanation, asking questions for clarity.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the origin and unique features of Nok art.

Step 3: Presentation of Igbo-Ukwu Art

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visualisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces Igbo-Ukwu art, showing images of its intricate bronze works. The teacher points out its location in southeastern Nigeria on the map and discusses its characteristic features, emphasizing the lost-wax casting technique and elaborate designs.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the images of Igbo-Ukwu art, note its location, and listen to the explanation of its features and production methods.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the sophistication of Igbo-Ukwu metalwork and its geographical origin.

Step 4: Presentation of Ife Art

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Comparison
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents images of Ife art, highlighting its naturalistic style. The teacher shows Ile-Ife on the map and explains its significance as a Yoruba spiritual center. The characteristic features, such as realism, scarification marks, and materials like bronze and terracotta, are discussed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils examine the images, identify Ife on the map, and compare its naturalistic style with the earlier art forms.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the naturalistic style and cultural importance of Ife art.

Step 5: Presentation of Benin Art

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays images of Benin bronzes and plaques, indicating the location of the ancient Benin Kingdom on the map. The teacher explains the characteristic features of Benin art, including its association with the Oba and its historical narrative function.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils view the images, locate Benin on the map, and note the distinct features and historical context of Benin art.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the characteristics and royal significance of Benin art.

Step 6: Class Discussion and Review of Key Concepts

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Facilitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion, encouraging pupils to compare and contrast the different art cultures based on their locations, materials, and characteristic features. The teacher answers any questions pupils may have.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, sharing their observations and asking questions to deepen their understanding.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding by discussing and comparing the different art cultures.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

State the location and origin of Nok art.
List three characteristic features of Igbo-Ukwu art.
Describe two distinct features of Ife art.
Mention two materials commonly used in Benin art.

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 main points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of these ancient Nigerian art cultures to our heritage. The teacher assigns homework: research and draw one artwork from any of the cultures discussed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given an opportunity for further exploration.

Lesson Keywords

Nok – An ancient Nigerian art culture known for terracotta sculptures.
Igbo-Ukwu – An ancient Nigerian art culture known for sophisticated bronze casting.
Ife – An ancient Yoruba city-state known for highly naturalistic bronze and terracotta sculptures.
Benin – An ancient kingdom known for its bronze plaques and sculptures, often depicting royalty and historical events.
Terracotta – Baked clay, a primary material for Nok and Ife art.
Bronze – An alloy of copper and tin, used extensively in Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, and Benin art.
Lost-wax casting – A method of metal casting used to create intricate bronze objects.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research additional details about the symbolism in the artworks. For pupils requiring more support, the teacher can provide simplified diagrams or focus on identifying one or two key features for each art culture.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to bring in pictures or drawings of Nigerian cultural arts they may have seen. Emphasize the historical context of each art culture to help pupils understand the significance of the artworks beyond their aesthetic value. Ensure clear visuals are used to aid understanding.