Pictorial Titbits Gallery

Welcome To The Pictorial TitBits Gallery On Afro-Scope

BENIN KINGDOM

The Benin Kingdom was "one of the oldest and most developed states in the coastal hinterland of West Africa". It grew out of the previous Edo Kingdom of Igodomigodo around the 11th century AD, and lasted until it was annexed by the British Empire in 1897.

Benin Monarchy

The Benin Monarchy is one of the oldest on African soil and is in practice up until the present day

Benin traditional dance attire

The Yoruba kingdom, a land of ancient wonders, finds its roots nestled within southwestern Nigeria. The Yoruba people have endured and prospered across the ages, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s history. According to Yoruba folklore, their ancestry can be traced back to the great ancestor Oduduwa. Oduduwa was believed to be a divine figure created by the Supreme Being. credit: <br>https://tourandculture.com/yoruba-kingdom-the-brief-history-of-yoruba-people/

Photo Credit: World History Encyclopedia
Another Jabo Anzaku art. This was inspired by his trip to Jianxchi Province in China. —COURTESY OF CYPRIAN EKWENSI CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
Title: African woman. This art piece is an expression that encompasses a rich narrative of strength, resilience, diversity, and the contribution of African women across the continent.
Title: Reforestation This is an African initiative geared towards contributing to the global solutions of climate change using artistic expression to spread the message.
Title: traditional oil lantern The narrative behind African oil lantern is multifaceted, reflecting both cultural significance and modern applications. In ancient times, oil lamp were crafted with designs that often symbolize cultural beliefs.
Title: Thatch roof and hut African thatch roof and hut are integral part of African traditional architectecture, reflecting local material, climate and cultural identity. The artist tries to communicate and preserve the rich traditional African architectecture to the world in his narrative.
Title: Nupawa Nupawa is a Hausa term for the nupe people who are found majorly in the north central part of Nigeria. Traditional nupe attire captures three prominent colours: blue, green and red. Blue: represent river, nupe people are also known for fishing activity on the river Green: symbolizes agricultural strength. Red: signifies their historical role as worriors and their resilience.
DAN AND NIGHT HUSTLE: This piece was inspired by the Africans' hustling spirit at all times, devoid of laziness. —COURTESY OF CYPRIAN EKWENSI CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
"SILENT COMMUNICATION", was the spontaneous response when we asked Jabo Anzaku the artist what informed this serene piece of mama and baby. "They are communicating and bonding," said Jabo added in his elaboration. Jabo is also a curator at the Art Gallery of Cyprian Ekwensi Centre For Arts And Culture in Abuja the capital city of Nigeria, in West Africa. —COURTESY OF CYPRIAN EKWENSI CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
RIVER BANK SETTLERS: Basically fishers, all their businesses and lives are tied to the river. They bath, cook ,wash with, drink, and poopoo in some sections of the river. That's their life. —COURTESY OF CYPRIAN EKWENSI CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
In this piece, Jabo Anzaku represents the beauty of northern Nigerian women, as inspired by thee legendary Queen Amina of Zaria, northern Nigeria. —COURTESY OF CYPRIAN EKWENSI CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
SACRIFICE FOR SUCCESS. Another piece by Jabo Anzaku, this time, inspired by his memory of himself. As other children are sleeping, this one studies for success as cock crows in the background--COURTESY CYPRIAN EKWENSI CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE, ABUJA, NIGERIA
NO LIMIT TO EDUCATION. When one is not informed, one is deformed. The philosophy of an old man in Yoruba tribe of southwest Nigeria who is still acquiring education. —COURTESY OF CYPRIAN EKWENSI CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
DANFO: Part of the culture of a particular people in a particular part of a particular county, in a particular state called Lagos in Nigeria, in West Africa. What you see in yellow are known as "Danfo" public transportation busses. —COURTESY OF CYPRIAN EKWENSI CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
UNITY: This is about unity. Using the varieties of water pots of the Gbagi people of northern Nigeria to demonstrate cohesion and the power of unity in Africa. We see that the pots are all contributing to the pool of water--COURTESY OF CYPRIAN EKWENSI CENTER FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
The Kakaki plays a significant cultural role in ceremonies among the Hausa people. It's used to welcome or announce the arrival of the Sultan or Emir and in praise-singing of dignitaries at events. The Kakaki is also used at funerals and other social functions. —COURTESY OF CYPRIAN EKWENSI CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
A stylized sculptural piece of the popular Nigerian pottery icon, Lady Kwali from the Kwali Area council in Abuja. Recognizing her outstanding skill in pottery, she is the lady behind Nigeria's 20-naira currency note. —COURTESY OF CYPRIAN EKWENSI CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
A REMINDER OF COLONIAL SUBJUGATION The black subjects disgusted their condescending white colonialists. With the stick poking at the black, the colonialist depicted in this image was making sure that his black subjects did not come too close. And the subjects were not to be touched with hands. —COURTESY OF CYPRIAN EKWENSI CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
Title: Talking Drum The talking Drum is a musical instrument in African culture particularly in west and central Africa. It is known for its ability to mimic human speech and convey complex messages, news, and stories across long distance. They are also used in ceremonies such as funerals, weddings, and initiation rites to create a sense of community and celebrations.
Title: Goge It is a traditional instrument in Hausa culture particularly in Nigeria. It's a fiddle or stringed instrument played with a bow. The Goge is used to accompany story telling, conveying emotions and narratives through its melodies, often played during cultural events, ceremonies and celebrations.
Title: Heir apparent The term refers to an individual who is next in line to inherit a title, position, or property particularly in a monarchical or noble system. In African context, different African cultures may express heir apparent in their own unique way for instance in Yoruba, the term "ajogun" refers to an heir, while in Hausa, it's "magada".
Title: palm wine keg In many African cultures, palm wine is a traditional beverage made from the sap of palm trees. The keg is used to store and serve palm wine at social gatherings, ceremonies, and celebrations fostering community bonding and cultural heritage. The keg also helps to preserve the palm wine, maintaining it's flavour and quality.
Title: praise singers In African cultures traditional praise singers, often known as griot or bards play a vital role as historians, entertainers, and social commentators. They are skilled in verbal art, using praise songs to celebrate individuals, lineages, and historical events, while also influencing social behaviour and preserving cultural knowledge.
Title: lines and collective memory. The literal meaning of the phrase lines refers to the physical path or road people drive, walk, or travel while collective memory in African contex remind us that some African road have witnessed colonial foot steps, slave caravans, refugees movement, cultural processions if only the physical paths could communicate. However, the artist uses his illustration to open doors into memory, history, untold stories within the African contex.
Title: City without wall This is a metaphor for the devastating effect of human activities on the environment. Buildings and properties are being submerged by flooding. However the artist tries to use his illustration to draw the attention of the people for an immediate action/solution especially in some African countries who are helpless.
Title: If donkeys were knowledgeable The phrase is an irony in which the artist tries to speak on behalf of the down trodden and the vulnerable in a society where social disorder and injustice is all over the system. However, the bright colours highlight the importance of knowledge if one must come out of obscurity. It is the truth that you know and apply that sets you free. A re-teaching tool from African perspective.
Title: In the line of duty This phrase highlight the importance of daily Hussle in an African contex. This illustration shows how one can take advantage of opportunity to make the day count.
Title: Sifawa This illustration tells the story of Sifawa. It is a town located in Bodinga local government area of Kebbi State Nigeria. History has it that it is the first administrative headquarter of the seat of the caliphate before it was moved to Sokoto. It is also recorded that Sheikh Uthman Dan fodio stayed in Sifawa for seven years before advancing his course. However, the history of the seat of the caliphate will not be complete without reference to the historical significance of Sifawa ancient town.
Title: Sankofa bird Sankofa is an Akan word from Ghana that means " go back and fetch it". It's a symbol of a bird with its head turned back to pick something. This illustration represent the idea of looking back at our past to learn from it and move forward.
Title: Ori-ade The phrase "Ade-ori" comes from the Yoruba word a language spoken from the South western people of Nigeria and in some part of west Africa. The word means:Crowned Head. The artistic illustration symbolize royalty or rulership; one who is worthy of respect and admiration or one vested with authority and power as in the case of leadership.
Title: "In the village square" In an African contex, the phrase " in the village square" is not just a literal description of an open space at the heart of a settlement. It's a deeply symbolic idea tied to community tradition and collective life. Similarly, the village square is a repository of stories, songs, and dance a living archive of history. In African thought is not just geography it's the soul of the community which represents openness, togetherness, and the heart beat of shared life. In addition, the artist tries to re-tell the African story through his artistic lens.
Title: Chieftaincy In the African context, particularly among the Igbo people of south east Nigeria is a complex and multifaceted institutions that extends beyond traditional leadership. Igbo traditional rulers known as Igwe or Eze serves as custodian of culture, tradition, and spiritual practices. They are responsible for maintaining social order, settling disputes and ensuring community development. Here are some examples of chieftaincy titles in Igbo community; Ikemba, Ome lo Ra, Uba ZuoOke, Okesisi etc. The vivid imagery gives an insight on how a title holder is dressed.
Title: Motherhood in Africa It is a revered and sacred institution, deeply intertwined with cultural, spiritual, and community values. African mothers play multifaceted roles encompassing caregiving, education, economic provision and community leadership. Regional variations and traditions: Among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, mothers are highly revered as reflected in the saying " Iya ni wura or mother is gold. Kenya and Tanzania: The Maasai and Swahili people celebrate new mothers with traditional songs, dances, and hand crafted jewelry. The vivid imagery gives an insight of the joy that surrounds welcoming a new child from an African perspective.
Title: African motif Africans are known for their vibrant colours, bold patterns, and rich cultural significance, reflecting the diverse traditions and histories of the continent. They are not just patterns, they hold symbolic meanings often representing proverbs, social values, and historical events. Different regions and ethnic groups across Africa have unique styles and techniques and patterns showcasing a wide array of creativity and craftsmanship. The carefully crafted piece, reflects creative know how of African people.