The living arts of Nigeria [antikvár]

ForewordAll will agree that the art of a people is the outward and visible symbol of their culture and civilisation. Too often, however, do we conceive this in terms of magnificent pieces displayed and occasionally studied in national museums or ensconced away and continually admired in the private collections of the affluent. We link art generally with the past and in Nigeria the well-known Nok heads and figurines, the Ife terra cottas and Benin bronzes provide incomparable examples of the artistic excellence once attained by the peoples of Nigeria. But there is more to art than that.Art is the manifestation of the undying soul of a people. It is an aspect of their genius which is manifest in the great works no less than in the day-to-day utensils which they use, the cloth they wear and the ornaments with which they adorn themselves. In all these and more, real artistic merit can be discerned andrecognised. The Living Arts of Nigeria has done this precisely for us. Through exquisite and accomplished photographs and drawings, and with the authoritative introduction by William Fagg, the arts of Nigeria have been brought into focus and placed in their true perspective as living and continuous processes of the people. We can not only see the artifacts but we also gain an insight into the actual processes which give rise to them as well as view at work the people who conceive and execute them.As Professor of African Studies in the University of Lagos, I acclaim this superb contribution by the Publisher and Mobil to our understanding of the culture of the peoples ofNigeria. As Chairman of the Antiquities Commission ofNigeria, I commend this book to all who wish to have a deeper understanding of that culture and evaluate as well as appreciate the artistic excellence attained and currently maintained by the Nigerian people.Saburi O. Biobaku Vice-Chancellor University of Lagos