INTRODUCTION TO CRAFT

WHAT IS CRAFT?

The term craft is often used to describe the family of artistic practices
within the family of decorative arts that are defined traditionally, by their
relationship products.

Crafts are produced from locally sourced raw materials. It involves the
manufacturing of utilitarian objects from locally sourced materials.

CRAFT MATERIALS

Examples of craft materials sourced locally are leather, ivory, raffia, cane,
coconut shell, condemned papers, etc.

USES OF CRAFT

1. Some crafts are good for storage.

2. Others are used to serve palm wine.
3. Crafts can be used as body adornment.
4. Canoes are carved and used as means of transportation in the riverine
areas.
5. Woven mats are used for sleeping.

CRAFTS AND LOCALITIES IN NIGERIA

The following are some Nigerian crafts and their locations of production:

1. CARVING: Benin; mask carving in Akwa Ibom State (Ikot Ekpene).

2. CANE/ RAFFIA WORKS: Itam; Ikot Ekpene; Abak and Itu, all of
Akwa Ibom State.
3. GLASS/ BRASS BEADS: Bida.
4. CLOTH DYEING: Abeokuta, Maiduguri, Kano and Lagos.
5. CLOTH WEAVING: Abeokuta, Benue, Oyo, Akure and Okene in
Kogi state.
6. BASKETRY: Benue, Kogi, Akwa Ibom and Kaduna.
7. BLACKSMITHING / PENDANT MAKING: Igbo Ukwu.
8. SCULPTURE: Ife (Bronze), Oyo, Nok, Benin (Wood, ivory and
bronze sculpture).
9. LEATHER WORKS: Kano, Sokoto, Maiduguri and other northern
states.