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GNS 112 Week 1

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199 views2 pages

GNS 112 Week 1

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opeyemifada09
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GNS 112 - NIGERIAN PEOPLES AND CULTURE

LESSON ONE

NIGERIAN HISTORY, CULTURE AND ARTS UP TO 1800


(YORUBA, HAUSA, IGBO AND THE ETHNIC MINORITIES)

INTRODUCTION
Nigeria's rich history spans over three thousand years, marked by early civilizations
such as the Nok culture around 925 B.C. Major ethnic groups like the Yoruba, Hausa,
and Igbo, along with numerous ethnic minorities, have each uniquely contributed to
Nigeria's heritage.

In northern Nigeria, the Kanem-Borno Empire and Hausa states emerged as significant
political entities, with the former adopting Islam early and the latter developing
extensive trade networks. The Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria, known for their
advanced urban settlements and rich oral traditions, established powerful kingdoms
like the Oyo Empire, which played a pivotal role in regional politics and culture. The
Igbo of southeastern Nigeria, known for their acephalous societies and sophisticated
bronze art from sites like Igbo-Ukwu, also have a rich oral history and legends of divine
origins. The Benin Kingdom in southern Nigeria, established by the Edo people, is
renowned for its sophisticated political systems and exquisite court art, including
bronze and ivory works.

Each ethnic group and region in Nigeria up to 1800 showcased unique cultural
achievements and complex social structures, contributing to the country's diverse
heritage.

We shall commence this lecture by asking you a few questions:


1. How old are the earliest known civilizations in Nigeria, such as the Nok culture?
2. Which empire in northern Nigeria was one of the earliest to adopt Islam?
3. Who is considered the legendary ancestor of the Yoruba people according to their
oral traditions?
4. What type of art is the Igbo culture particularly known for, as evidenced by findings
at Igbo-Ukwu?
5. What are the main materials used in the artworks of the Nok culture?
GNS 112 - NIGERIAN PEOPLES AND CULTURE

Objectives
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

1. identify the early civilisations of Nigeria, such as the Nok culture, and their contributions up
to 1800.
2. Analyze the origins, social structures, and cultural achievements of the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and
other ethnic groups.
3. Appreciate the artistic heritage of pre-1800 Nigeria, including Nok terracotta, Igbo-Ukwu bronze,
and Benin court art.

Contents
For more information on Nigerian History, Culture and Arts Up To 1800, visit the GNS compendium
textbook page 322 - 332"

References
Adamu, M. (1984). The Hausa and their Neighbours in the Central Sudan. In D.T. Niane (Ed.) UNESCO
General History of Africa vol 4 – Africa from the twelfth to the sixteenth century (pp. 266-
300). Heinemann.

Akintoye, S.A. (2010). A history of the Yoruba people. Amalion

Aminu, M. The place of Mahrams in the history of Kanem Borno. Journal of the Historical Society of
Nigeria, 10(4), 31-38.

Andah, B.W. (1993). Thurstan Shaw at Igbo Ukwu. In B.W. Andah, C.A. Folorunso, & Okpoko, I.A.
(Eds.) Imprints of West Africa’s past. (33-39). Wisdom Publishers.

Bascom, W. (1969) The Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria,

Davidson, B. (1974). Africa: The history of a continent. Spring books.

Edet, S.A., Enor, F. & Coulson, T. (2016), The Cross River monoliths of Nigeria. TARA

UNESCO General history of Africa Volume 3: Africa from the seventh to the eleventh century. (pp.
436-460). Heinemann.

Lucas, J.O. (2001) The religion of the Yorubas. Athelia Henrietta Press. First published in 1948 by the
CMS Bookshop.

Munoz, L.J. (2003) A living tradition: Studies in Yoruba civilisation. Bookcraft.

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