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Lesson Note on Identification of Places of Origin of Nigerian Traditional Arts and Their Functions for JSS 3 (JSS3)

This lesson note on identification of places of origin of Nigerian traditional arts and their functions for JSS 3 explains major art centres and their importance.

Royal AlikorByRoyal AlikorPublishedOct 22, 2025Reading5 minComments0

Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3, JSS 3)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 2
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cultural And Creative Arts
Curriculum Theme: Cultural And Creative Arts
Previous Lesson: Nigerian Traditional Art and Types of Traditional Art
Topic: Identification Of Places Of Origin Of Arts
Subject Matter: States of origin of Nigerian Traditional arts: Nok – Kaduna, Ife – Osun state, Benin – Edo state etc. Functions of Nigerian traditional arts


Specific Objectives

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

  • Cognitive Domain:
    (a) Identify major centres of origin of Nigerian traditional artworks.
    (b) Explain the functions of Nigerian traditional arts in the society.
  • Affective Domain:
    (a) Appreciate the cultural value and pride of Nigerian artworks.
  • Psychomotor Domain:
    (a) Locate and label on a map some states of origin of traditional artworks in Nigeria.
  • Social Domain:
    (a) Work in groups to discuss how Nigerian traditional art promotes unity and identity.

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
  • FMACCE – Arts & Crafts
  • Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Map of Nigeria showing major art centres
  • Pictures of Nok, Ife, and Benin artworks
  • Chart showing states and art forms
  • Slides or video on Nigerian traditional art
  • Textbooks and reference materials

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps students recognize and appreciate Nigeria’s diverse artistic heritage and understand the cultural and functional importance of traditional art forms across various regions.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have previously learned about the concept and meaning of traditional arts and can identify various types of art objects and materials used in their production.


Lesson Content/Board Summary

Identification of Places of Origin of Nigerian Traditional Arts

Nigerian traditional arts are creative works made by early Nigerian societies to express beliefs, values, and culture. These artworks originated from different regions and reflect the life and customs of their people.

The following are some traditional art centres and their places of origin in Nigeria:

  1. Nok Art – Originated from Kaduna State; famous for terracotta sculptures.
  2. Ife Art – Originated from Osun State; known for naturalistic bronze and copper heads.
  3. Benin Art – Originated from Edo State; notable for bronze plaques and ivory carvings.
  4. Igbo-Ukwu Art – Originated from Anambra State; known for intricate bronze and bead works.
  5. Esie Art – Originated from Kwara State; known for soapstone carvings.
  6. Tsoede (Nupe) Art – Originated from Niger State; known for bronze heads and figures.

These art centres represent Nigeria’s cultural diversity and creative excellence through centuries.

Functions of Nigerian Traditional Arts

Traditional artworks served important roles in the daily lives, religion, and governance of Nigerian communities.

The following are the functions of Nigerian traditional arts:

  1. Religious Function: Used for worship, rituals, and communication with gods and ancestors.
  2. Political Function: Used in royal courts to symbolize power, authority, and prestige.
  3. Social Function: Depict social events like festivals, marriages, and coronations.
  4. Historical Function: Record important events, achievements, and lineage of rulers.
  5. Decorative Function: Beautify palaces, shrines, and public spaces.
  6. Educational Function: Teach moral lessons, culture, and community values.
  7. Economic Function: Serve as trade items and sources of livelihood for artists.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Discussion, Lecture, Explanation, Visual Aids, Storytelling, Group Work, Question and Answer


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: Teacher asks pupils questions about famous Nigerian artworks they have seen or heard of, showing pictures of Nok or Benin bronzes to spark interest.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond and share what they know about Nigerian artworks.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the topic and motivated to learn about places of origin of Nigerian traditional arts.

Step 2: Identification of Major Art Centres

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains and lists major traditional art centres like Nok, Ife, and Benin using maps and charts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the map and identify the listed locations.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify the places of origin of major Nigerian traditional arts.

Step 3: Description of Notable Artworks

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher displays pictures of selected artworks from each region and describes their materials and features.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils describe what they observe from the pictures.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to recognize the features of various Nigerian traditional artworks.

Step 4: Functions of Nigerian Traditional Arts

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher discusses the roles and functions of traditional art in society, citing examples like Benin bronzes used in royal courts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss and mention how traditional art serves their communities.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the cultural and social importance of traditional art.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher dictates or writes the summarized lesson content for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write notes in their books.
Learning Point: Pupils have accurate notes of the lesson content.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

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

  1. Mention three major centres of Nigerian traditional art.
  2. State two functions of traditional artworks.
  3. Where did Ife art originate from?
  4. What materials are commonly used in Nok art?
    Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the questions orally.
    Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the key points in the lesson.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to appreciate Nigeria’s artistic heritage.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the importance of Nigerian traditional arts.


Lesson Keywords

  • Art Centre – a place known for producing specific traditional artworks
  • Bronze – a metal alloy used in sculpture making
  • Terracotta – baked clay used for ancient sculptures
  • Culture – the way of life of a people including their art and traditions
  • Heritage – valuable traditions and creations passed from past generations

Differentiation

Provide visual aids and maps for visual learners, repeat explanations for slow learners, and allow faster learners to identify additional art centres independently.


Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to relate traditional artworks to their ethnic backgrounds. Use visual materials effectively to create lasting impressions of Nigeria’s artistic diversity.

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Lesson Note on Identification of Places of Origin of Nigerian Traditional Arts and Their Functions for JSS 3 (JSS3)
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