Introduction

Culture is defined by sociologists as the attitudes, languages, norms, traditions, artwork,

collective identities, and behavioral patterns that social group members create to give their social

circumstances significance. The tangible elements of a society, such as artifacts and physical

things, are referred to as material culture. It covers items such as apparel, implements, structures,

machinery, and artwork.

Examine the difference between material and nonmaterial culture in your world.

Nigerian material culture includes things like the National Mosque in Abuja, handcrafted

wooden sculptures and masks used in cultural ceremonies, traditional musical instruments like

the talking drum or the shekere, and architectural landmarks like the vibrant and intricately

designed Ankara fabric. These tangible items not only capture the depth and complexity of

Nigerian culture, but they also have a big impact on how people connect with one another and

build their identities. Architectural constructions such as Benin City's Oba's palace, these

buildings, like the Oba's palace in Benin City, highlight the wealth of Nigerian architectural

heritage and artistry. They are significant cultural icons that continue to evoke wonder and

respect, acting as reminders of the might and sway of former monarchs.

Nonmaterial culture, on the other hand, describes a society's abstract components, such as its

norms, values, language, conventions, and traditions. It includes the beliefs, skills, and practices

that are inherited and passed down through the generations. Nonmaterial culture in Nigeria can

refer to cultural behaviors like celebrating festivals like the Durbar Festival in Kano or the Eyo

Festival in Lagos, as well as religious beliefs and practices like those of Christianity, Islam, or

traditional African faiths. Awareness of a society's identity, values, and way of life requires an
awareness of both material and nonmaterial culture. They affect and are influenced by one

another. A society's values and ideas are frequently reflected in and reinforced by material

culture, whereas people's interactions with and interpretations of material items are shaped by

nonmaterial culture.

List ten items that are typically part of your cultural experiences.

Ten items that are frequently connected to Nigerian culture are listed below:

1. Agbada: Men dress traditionally in a flowing gown for formal events.

2. Ankara fabric: This vibrant, colorful fabric is used for apparel and accessories.

3. Talking drum: is a conventional musical instrument that uses tones and beats to convey

messages.

5. Jollof Rice: A popular and flavorful dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of

spices. It is often enjoyed at social gatherings and celebrations.

6. Adire: A traditional Nigerian textile art form that involves resist-dyeing techniques to create

intricate patterns and designs on fabric with traditional Yoruba methods.

5. Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, is the second-largest in the world in terms of output. It

produces a wide range of movies that reflect Nigerian culture and storytelling traditions.

8. Kolanut: Often offered during customary events or rituals, kolanut is a symbol of hospitality.

9. Aso Oke: A cloth made by hand that is worn for special occasions like weddings by both

sexes.

10. Nkata/Nkwen: customary hardwood Igbo stools that can be utilized as seats or as accent

pieces.
Determine the values and beliefs of nonmaterial culture that each of these objects

represents after that.

Ten items that are commonly seen in Nigerian culture are listed here, along with the elements of

nonmaterial culture they stand for:

1. Talking drum: this symbol stands for the importance of oral tradition and communication, as

well as the conviction that rhythm and music have great power.

2. Ankara textiles are a representation of vibrant aesthetics and uniqueness, as well as the

significance of personal style and cultural expression.

3. Gele stands for the appreciation of grace and the conviction that embellishment and

presentation are important.

4. Jollof Rice Pot: This stands for the importance of sharing meals and festivities with others, as

well as the virtues of hospitality and communal dining.

5. Adire: stands for the importance of customary workmanship and the conviction that artistic

and cultural legacy should be preserved.

6. Nollywood represents the value of creative storytelling and the belief in the power of

entertainment to educate and inspire.

7. Kolanut stands for the virtue of hospitality and the conviction that it is essential to greet

visitors and promote community.

8. Aso Oke stands for the importance of cultural pride and identity as well as the conviction that

customs and practices should be preserved.

9. Nkata/Nkwen: This character stands for respect for hierarchy and traditional authority.

10. Agbada: Stands for the importance of wearing adequately for special events and the value of

respectable apparel.
What aspects of your culture have you learned about through this exercise?

The varied cultural experiences available in Nigeria are represented by a small portion of these

things. The rich culture of Nigeria is further enhanced by a plethora of additional objects and

traditions. These items and practices showcase Nigeria's rich cultural tapestry by illuminating the

range and depth of the nation's traditions. Nigeria's rich cultural legacy, which includes elaborate

artwork, traditional dances, and music, is a source of great pride and a timely reminder of the

value of conserving and honoring these distinctive customs for coming generations. This

exercise demonstrates the depth and diversity of Nigerian culture, where items represent more

than just tangible artifacts—rather; they are living, breathing examples of customs, values, and

beliefs. It emphasizes the value put on spirituality, creativity, legacy, and community. It also

highlights the value of hospitality, cultural expression, and the connections between different

facets of Nigerian society. The idea that Nigerian culture is rich, varied, and firmly anchored in

its values and beliefs is generally supported by this experiment. Nigerian culture is reflected in

the variety of artistic manifestations it possesses, including vibrant textiles, complex beadwork,

and captivating dance performances. These artistic mediums function as a vehicle for cultural

transmission and preservation as well as a means of artistic expression between generations.

They exhibit the Nigerian people's tenacity and flexibility in the face of adversity, as well as the

ongoing influence of cultural traditions on identity formation and communal cohesion.

References

Little, W. (2016). Introduction to sociology -- 2nd Canadian Edition. BCcampus. Licensed

under CC BY 4.0. Retrieved from

https://my.uopeople.edu/pluginfile.php/1813625/mod_resource/content/10/Soc

%201502%20Introduction-to-Sociology-2nd-Canadian-Edition.pdf