Traditional Nigerian Motifs and Contemporary Symbols in Art and Design for SS 1

Traditional Nigerian Motifs and Contemporary Symbols in Art and Design Concepts

Performance Objectives

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

1. explain traditional Nigerian motifs and symbols;
2. explain the importance of contemporary symbols in Nigerian art;
3. discuss design concepts;
4. compare traditional Nigerian motifs with contemporary symbols;
5. create simple designs using traditional Nigerian and contemporary motifs.

Meaning of Traditional Nigerian Motifs and Symbols

Traditional Nigerian motifs and symbols are visual patterns, shapes, and images that have been used for generations by various ethnic groups across Nigeria. These designs are deeply rooted in the culture, history, beliefs, and daily lives of the people who created them. They often carry specific meanings, communicate ideas, or represent aspects of the natural world, spirituality, or social structures.

These motifs and symbols are found in various art forms, including:

1. Textiles: Woven fabrics, dyed cloths, and embroidered garments.
2. Body Art: Temporary or permanent markings on the skin.
3. Sculpture: Carvings in wood, metal, or stone.
4. Pottery: Decorated clay vessels.
5. Architecture: Designs on buildings and shrines.
6. Utensils and Tools: Decorated everyday objects.

Examples of Traditional Nigerian Motifs and Symbols

Nigeria is rich in diverse cultural expressions, and many ethnic groups have their unique motifs and symbols. Some prominent examples include:

1. Uli: Uli refers to the traditional body and wall painting designs of the Igbo people, primarily in southeastern Nigeria. Uli designs are characterised by fluid, curvilinear lines and abstract shapes. They are often drawn freehand and are temporary, used for special occasions like festivals, ceremonies, or simply for adornment. Common Uli motifs include:

   1. Akala: Lines and dots.
   2. Mkpulu Onwa: Crescent moon.
   3. Agwo: Snake.
   4. Okwe: Spiral.
   5. Ije Agwa: Bean seed patterns.

   Uli symbols often represent natural elements, human figures, or abstract concepts related to beauty, fertility, and spirituality.

2. Nsibidi: Nsibidi is an ancient ideographic writing system or system of symbols used by the Ejagham people of Cross River State and parts of Akwa Ibom State, as well as by secret societies like Ekpe (Leopard Society) among the Efik, Igbo, and Ibibio people. Nsibidi symbols are geometric and pictorial, conveying complex ideas, proverbs, and historical events. They can be found on:

   1. Calabashes.
   2. Fabrics.
   3. Murals.
   4. Body markings.
   5. Sculptures.

   Each symbol represents a word, phrase, or concept, making it a sophisticated form of visual communication.

3. Hausa Motifs: The Hausa people of northern Nigeria are known for their rich artistic traditions, especially in textiles, leatherwork, and architecture. Hausa motifs are often geometric, abstract, and highly decorative. They are commonly seen in:

   1. Embroidery: On traditional robes (e.g., ‘babban riga’).
   2. Leatherwork: On bags, sandals, and cushions.
   3. Pottery: Decorated clay pots.
   4. Architecture: Designs on mud houses and palaces.

   Common Hausa motifs include intricate knots, interlocking patterns, stars, and crescent moons, often reflecting Islamic influences alongside indigenous traditions.

4. Adire: Adire is a resist-dyed cloth made by Yoruba women in southwestern Nigeria, particularly in Abeokuta. The word “Adire” means “tie and dye.” The patterns are created by applying a resist (like starch paste or tying/stitching) to fabric before dyeing it in indigo. Adire motifs are diverse and often represent:

   1. Natural elements: Animals, plants, celestial bodies.
   2. Everyday objects: Combs, kola nuts, plates.
   3. Abstract patterns: Geometric shapes, lines, and dots.

   Each motif often has a specific name and meaning, telling stories or conveying proverbs.

5. Akwete: Akwete cloth is a unique hand-woven textile produced by the Igbo women of Akwete, Abia State. It is known for its intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and durability. Akwete motifs are typically geometric and abstract, often arranged in bands or stripes. Common motifs include:

   1. Ikaki: Tortoise.
   2. Akpukpa: Comb.
   3. Nkwu: Palm tree.
   4. Umuaka: Children.

   These motifs are often symbolic, representing aspects of nature, community, or cultural values.

6. Tiv Striped Fabrics: The Tiv people of Benue State are famous for their distinctive hand-woven striped fabrics, known as ‘anger’ or ‘gho’. These fabrics are characterised by bold, contrasting stripes of various widths and colours, typically black and white, but also incorporating red, blue, and green. The patterns are often simple yet striking, and the arrangement of stripes can convey different meanings or identify specific clans. The stripes themselves are the primary motif, representing order, balance, and identity.

Importance of Contemporary Nigerian Symbols and Motifs

Contemporary Nigerian symbols and motifs are modern visual representations that draw inspiration from traditional forms but are adapted to suit current contexts, ideas, and aesthetics. They are important for several reasons:

1. Cultural Identity and Expression: Contemporary symbols help to preserve and promote Nigerian cultural identity in a modern world. They allow artists and designers to express their heritage in new and relevant ways, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

2. Global Recognition: By adapting traditional motifs into contemporary designs, Nigerian art gains global recognition. These symbols become unique identifiers that distinguish Nigerian creativity on the international stage, contributing to cultural exchange and appreciation.

3. Economic Value: Contemporary designs incorporating Nigerian symbols have significant economic value. They are used in fashion, interior design, branding, and tourism, creating jobs and generating income for artists, designers, and related industries.

4. Communication and Storytelling: Just like traditional symbols, contemporary motifs can communicate messages, tell stories, and convey values relevant to modern Nigerian society. They can address social issues, celebrate achievements, or simply add aesthetic appeal.

5. Innovation and Evolution of Art: The adaptation of traditional motifs into contemporary symbols drives innovation in Nigerian art and design. It encourages artists to experiment with new materials, techniques, and interpretations, ensuring that art remains dynamic and relevant.

6. Educational Tool: Contemporary symbols can serve as an educational tool, introducing younger generations to their cultural heritage in a way that resonates with their modern experiences. They bridge the gap between the past and the present.

Designing Concept

A design concept is the core idea or vision behind a design project. It is the fundamental approach or strategy that guides the entire design process, from initial sketches to the final product. It answers the question: “What is the main idea or message this design is trying to convey?”

Developing a design concept involves:

1. Understanding the Purpose: Clearly defining what the design needs to achieve. Is it for a logo, a fabric pattern, a piece of art, or an architectural element?

2. Research and Inspiration: Gathering information and ideas from various sources, including traditional art, contemporary trends, nature, history, and client briefs.

3. Brainstorming: Generating multiple ideas and exploring different possibilities without judgment.

4. Conceptualisation: Refining the best ideas into a clear, concise concept that can be articulated and developed.

5. Visualisation: Translating the concept into preliminary sketches, mood boards, or digital mock-ups to see how it might look.

A strong design concept provides direction, ensures consistency, and helps to create a meaningful and impactful design.

Cultural Meaning and Adaptation of Motifs in Modern Design

Traditional Nigerian motifs carry deep cultural meanings, reflecting the beliefs, history, and values of the communities they originate from. When these motifs are adapted into modern design, it is important to understand and respect their original cultural significance.

The adaptation of motifs in modern design involves taking traditional patterns and symbols and reinterpreting them for contemporary use. This can be done in several ways:

1. Simplification: Reducing complex traditional motifs to their essential forms, making them more suitable for modern minimalist aesthetics.

2. Stylisation: Modifying the appearance of a motif while retaining its recognisable features, often to fit a particular design style or medium.

3. Repetition and Patterning: Using traditional motifs as repeating elements in new patterns for textiles, wallpapers, or graphic designs.

4. Colour Palette Changes: Applying modern colour schemes to traditional motifs, giving them a fresh and contemporary feel while preserving their form.

5. Fusion: Combining motifs from different Nigerian cultures or blending them with international design elements to create unique hybrid designs.

6. Contextual Shift: Using motifs in new contexts, such as incorporating Uli patterns into corporate logos or Nsibidi symbols into fashion accessories.

When adapting motifs, designers often consider:

1. Authenticity: Ensuring the adaptation respects the original meaning and cultural context, avoiding misrepresentation.

2. Relevance: Making sure the adapted motif resonates with contemporary audiences and serves the purpose of the modern design.

3. Innovation: Bringing a fresh perspective to traditional forms, pushing creative boundaries while maintaining a connection to heritage.

This process allows traditional art forms to remain vibrant and relevant in the modern world, bridging the past with the present and future of Nigerian design.

Comparing Traditional Nigerian Motifs with Contemporary Symbols

Traditional Nigerian motifs and contemporary symbols share a common root in Nigerian culture but differ in their context, application, and sometimes their interpretation.

The following table highlights their similarities and differences:

Despite their differences, both traditional motifs and contemporary symbols serve to enrich Nigerian visual culture. Contemporary symbols act as a bridge, ensuring that the rich heritage of traditional motifs continues to inspire and thrive in new forms.

Creating Simple Designs Using Traditional Nigerian and Contemporary Motifs

Creating designs that blend traditional Nigerian motifs with contemporary symbols involves understanding both elements and applying design principles. This skill allows for the creation of unique and culturally rich artworks.

Materials Required:

1. Drawing paper or sketchpad
2. Pencils (HB, 2B)
3. Eraser
4. Ruler
5. Coloured markers, pencils, or crayons
6. Reference images of traditional Nigerian motifs (Uli, Nsibidi, Hausa, Adire, Akwete, Tiv)
7. Reference images of contemporary symbols or modern design elements

Procedure for Creating a Simple Design:

1. Choose a Theme or Concept: Decide on a central idea for your design. This could be “unity,” “nature,” “celebration,” or a personal message. This theme will guide your choice of motifs and symbols.

2. Select Traditional Motifs: From your reference images, choose one or two traditional Nigerian motifs that resonate with your chosen theme. For example, if your theme is “unity,” you might choose interlocking Hausa patterns or a specific Nsibidi symbol for togetherness.

   Example: For a theme of “growth,” you might select an Uli spiral (Okwe) or a stylised Akwete palm tree (Nkwu).

3. Identify Contemporary Elements: Think about how to incorporate modern design elements. This could be a specific colour palette, a geometric shape (like a circle or square used in a modern way), a minimalist layout, or a contemporary font if text is involved.

   Example: You might use a vibrant, non-traditional colour scheme for your Uli spiral or arrange the Akwete palm tree motif in a repeating, digital-art-inspired grid.

4. Sketch Initial Ideas (Thumbnails): On your drawing paper, create several small, quick sketches (thumbnail sketches) to explore different ways of combining your chosen traditional motifs and contemporary elements. Focus on composition, balance, and how the elements interact.

5. Develop a Refined Sketch: Select your strongest thumbnail sketch and develop it into a larger, more detailed pencil drawing. Pay attention to the clarity of the motifs and the overall flow of the design.

   Consider:

   1. Placement: Where will the traditional motif be positioned? Will it be central, repeated, or used as a border?
   2. Scale: How large or small will the motif be in relation to other elements?
   3. Interaction: How will the traditional motif blend with or contrast against the contemporary elements?

6. Add Colour: Once you are satisfied with your pencil sketch, begin to add colour using your markers, pencils, or crayons. Experiment with colours that enhance both the traditional and contemporary aspects of your design.

   Tip: You can use traditional colours for the motif itself but place it on a background with a contemporary colour, or vice versa.

7. Refine and Finish: Review your design. Ensure that the lines are clean, the colours are well-applied, and the overall design effectively communicates your concept. Make any necessary adjustments to improve its appearance.

By following these steps, you can create simple yet meaningful designs that celebrate the rich heritage of Nigerian art while embracing modern aesthetics.