Starting Point
This is the starting point at the entrance of the marketPlay video attached to learn more about the market
Wood works
In this section of shops (A3 - A11), you'll find woodcrafts here. Wood carving has been an integral art form for expressing Nigerian culture and traditions, dating all the way back to the 12th century. Cities such Benin, Lagos and Awka are major hubs for wood carving. Carvers have flourished in these regions for a long time, crafting figurines which reflect the rich history and beliefs of the country and its people throughout time (Lawal, 1977).The "Primitivist" art movement, which began in Europe in the early 20th century was essentially a fascination with non-Western art and culture. Artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Georges Braque were particularly drawn to the abstract forms and bold, graphic designs of African masks and sculptures, which they incorporated into their own work. These African masks were typically made of woods, raffia or other metals (Alfert, 1972). Emmanuel who hails from Ibadan, a nearby city says he started his crafting journey in 1968. He explained that he showed a natural passion for art and spent most of his childhood carving woodworks. Each piece is so intricate, he explains that even though his smaller pieces can be done in under an hour, his larger ones may take up to two days to complete. Since he started selling at the art market in 2002, he has had four apprentices work under him. These men have gone on to be successful in their own ways and now have their own shops in the market.You can find Emmanuel's shop in A5
Metal Works
Shops B12 - B20Metal work is an important part of Nigerian art, history and culture. Nok people of Nigeria who date as far back as the 6th century BC were skilled metalworkers who produced a variety of objects, including tools, weapons, and decorative items, using iron and other metal. Over time, metalworking became an important part of many Nigerian cultures, and different regions developed their own unique styles and techniques. (Shaw, 1957).Nigerian metalwork can be found in museums and galleries around the world, however you can still buy your own pieces right here in the market.Mr Abiodun a local resident from Lagos creates his own metalworks as well as sources others from Benin. Growing up his father passed down stories behind traditional metal art works. He explains that the famous Ile-Ife metal sculptures are made of brass and copper alloys, and are cast using a specific waxing method. They depict a range of subjects, including human figures, animals, and mythological creatures. He tells us that most art works are believed to have had important religious purposes amongst traditional worshipers, and were used in many cultural ceremonies or as symbols of social status.You can find Mr Abiodun in shop B16
Beading
Shops D6 - D14Beads have played a vital role within Nigerian culture for centuries, and continue to be a significant part of the artistic and cultural heritage. They have been used in a variety of ways in Nigerian society e.g. as a part of the traditional dress, used to perform ceremonies or for religious rituals. Ceramic and recycled glass beads were used by Yorubas for trade as an early means of currency. The Hausas are especially known for controlling the bead industry as they travel far and wide to locate beads in villages, modify and customize these beads, and then sell them to local and foreign merchants (Adiji, 2018).These days beads continue to play an important role in contemporary Nigerian art and fashion. Many Nigerian artists and designers incorporate beads into their work, using them to create intricate patterns and designs. Ibrahim and Suleiman are a father son duo, hailing from Kano, the northern region of Nigeria. Their shop carries a plethora of beaded and leather accessories. As Suleiman works on customizing our purchases, his father tells us how women from other countries such as Lebanon and India source beaded accessories from Nigeria due to their intricate and complex designs. He moved his business down to Lagos because unlike his small village in Kana, there was a higher chance of meeting with these tourists in a larger city.Ibrahim and Suleiman’s shop is located in shop D12
Basket Weaving
Traditionally, basket weaving is the process of weaving elastic materials like cane, palm frond, rubber, and metal wires among others into a basket. Walking through the market you will observe that basket weaving has evolved to create furniture, art pieces, bags and even jewelry. Musa, is from Kaduna, talks his audience through the process. This involves meticulously weaving strands of fiber over and under each other to create a round shape,similar to what hair stylists do with braids. Walking around the market it is clear that similar to beading,basket weaving is dominated by the Hausa tribe. He explains that most craftsmen who also hail from his region spend two months living in Lagos to sell their goods, and the following two living back in their villages creating more products whilst spending time with their families. You can see Musa’s work in shop F8
Fine Art
Nigeria's art scene is centered in Lagos, which is home to many of the country's top galleries, museums, and art institutions.Walking though the market one will see various shops filled with sculptures, paintings and all forms of art.African art has had a massive influence on European artwork, specifically from the early 20th century when artists from the West were seeking fresh sources of inspiration. African art also played a role in the development of modernist art movements like Cubism and Expressionism, which were created with the intention to break down traditional representational forms and explore new ways of representing the world.In addition to influencing specific art movements, African art also had a broader impact on European art by challenging traditional notions of what art could be. By introducing new forms and styles that were not based on Western ideas of perspective and realism, African art helped to expand the boundaries of what was considered "art" and paved the way for new forms of artistic expression (Alfert, 1972).Similar to the structure you’d find in international art galleries, Samson performs the role of a curator. Although not an artist himself, his shop hosts a wide variety of mixed medium works from artists hailing from Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana. The works range from sketches to pieces made from actual butterfly wings to portraits painted on ankara fabrics.
