Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3, JSS 3)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 1
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cultural And Creative Arts
Curriculum Theme: Cultural And Creative Arts
Previous Lesson:
Topic: Nigerian Traditional Art
Subject Matter: Definition of Traditional Art, Types of Traditional Art: Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, Benin etc.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Explain what traditional art means in the Nigerian context.
(b) Identify and describe major types of Nigerian traditional art such as Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, and Benin.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the value of Nigeria’s traditional art as part of her cultural heritage.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Draw or model simple representations inspired by traditional Nigerian artworks.
Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in groups to discuss and share knowledge on various Nigerian traditional artworks.

Reference Materials

The following resources was used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Junior Secondary Schools
Britannica – African art – Nigerian Styles, Sculpture, Masks
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Pictures or charts showing Nok, Ife, Benin, and Igbo-Ukwu artworks
Clay or plasticine for modeling demonstrations
Video clips of Nigerian museum collections
Flashcards with art terms
Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson will help students appreciate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and understand how traditional art reflects the beliefs, skills, and lifestyles of ancient Nigerian societies.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have previously learned about the general concept of art and creative expression. They are familiar with basic artistic forms such as drawing, molding, and design from lower classes.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Nigeria Traditional Art

Traditional art refers to artworks created by indigenous Nigerian communities using local materials and techniques. These works express cultural beliefs, social values, and religious practices.

Definition of Traditional Art

Traditional art is the art produced by ancient Nigerian societies before the introduction of Western education and modern tools. It reflects the people’s culture, religion, and daily activities.

The following are the main features of Nigerian traditional art:

It was made from local materials such as clay, wood, bronze, and ivory.
It served religious, cultural, and social purposes.
It was used to honor kings, ancestors, and deities.
It shows great creativity, skill, and craftsmanship.
It helped to preserve historical events and beliefs.

Types of Traditional Art in Nigeria

Nigeria has many centers of traditional art that developed over time. Each represents a different ethnic group and cultural expression.

These include:

Nok Art:
- One of the oldest art cultures in Nigeria, found in present-day Kaduna and Plateau States.
- Known for terracotta (baked clay) sculptures of human heads and figures.
- Dates back to around 500 BC.
Igbo-Ukwu Art:
- Originated from the Igbo people of Anambra State.
- Famous for its bronze works showing advanced metal casting and decoration.
- Represents early technological advancement in African art.
Ife Art:
- Found among the Yoruba people of Ile-Ife, Osun State.
- Known for naturalistic bronze and terracotta sculptures of human heads and figures.
- Shows the beauty and dignity of Yoruba kings and people.
Benin Art:
- Originated from the Benin Kingdom in Edo State.
- Famous for its bronze plaques and ivory carvings.
- Used mainly to decorate the royal palace and record historical events.
Tsoede (Nupe) Art:
- Found among the Nupe people in Niger State.
- Known for brass and bronze works similar to those of Benin and Igbo-Ukwu.

Importance of Nigerian Traditional Art

Traditional art is important to Nigeria’s history and culture.

The following are the importance of Nigerian traditional art:

It preserves the culture, history, and identity of the people.
It serves religious and spiritual purposes.
It promotes unity and pride in cultural heritage.
It provides historical evidence of early Nigerian civilization.
It attracts tourism and supports national economy.
It serves as inspiration for modern Nigerian artists.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Discussion, Lecture, Explanation, Storytelling, Visual Aids, Demonstration, Group Work

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils what they know about old Nigerian artworks and shows pictures of ancient sculptures.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond and describe what they see in the pictures.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of Nigerian traditional art.

Step 2: Definition of Traditional Art

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what traditional art means and lists its main features.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and write key points.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what traditional art is and its characteristics.

Step 3: Types of Traditional Art in Nigeria

Time: 15 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses different traditional art centers in Nigeria such as Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, and Benin, showing relevant pictures or samples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify each type of traditional art and mention examples.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify major types and examples of traditional art in Nigeria.

Step 4: Importance of Nigerian Traditional Art

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance and cultural significance of traditional art in Nigeria.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and contribute examples of how traditional art still influences society today.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the relevance of traditional art in modern Nigeria.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes or dictates the lesson summary on the board for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write notes neatly in their books.
Learning Point: Pupils have complete written notes of the lesson.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define traditional art.
List three features of Nigerian traditional art.
Mention four types of traditional art in Nigeria.
State two importance of traditional art.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer questions orally and in written form.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the topic.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes key points and encourages pupils to visit museums or research about Nigerian traditional art.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and show interest in learning more.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the cultural and historical value of traditional Nigerian art.

Lesson Keywords

Terracotta – baked clay used in sculpture making.
Bronze – a metal alloy used in casting artworks.
Heritage – valuable traditions and culture passed down from ancestors.
Naturalism – artistic style showing realistic human features.
Culture – way of life of a group of people.

Differentiation

Provide additional explanations and visual aids for slower learners. Allow advanced learners to research or present additional examples of traditional art forms.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to respect and value cultural heritage. Emphasize that traditional art reflects intelligence, skill, and creativity of early Nigerians. Promote participation through visuals and short art demonstrations.