Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has hailed the very rich cultural history and tradition of the ancient Benin Kingdom, one of the famous destinations during the exploitation of the African continent by the Europeans.
Speaking at the opening of the National Gallery of Art (NGA) Benin Art Exhibition, in commemoration of the coronation of the new Oba of Benin, in Benin City on Friday, the Minister, however, lamented the plundering of the priceless pieces of Benin art works during the
attack on the ancient Benin Kingdom by the British in 1897.
”Although some of the works have been repatriated, till date some
other choice works are still adorning exhibition spaces in museums
across Europe and Britain. For instance, the Idia Ivory mask, official
symbol of the 2nd World Black Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC
’77) which took place in Nigeria in 1977, is still on display in a
British museum,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed said the people of Edo, whom he described as ”highly
skilled” in the arts and crafts, have continued to maintain the rich
legacy of the Benin Kingdom with their colorful festivals and
engagement in arts production such as pottery, basket-making, cane
furniture, cloth-weaving, mat-making and gold-smiting to generate
income and create jobs.
He used the occasion to welcome and highlight the significance of the
establishment of World Intellectual Property Organisation’s External
Office in Nigeria, noting that the contribution of Nigeria to the
Commonwealth of culture and creativity has gained global prominence.
”Our rich culture is a spectacle for the global world to behold.
Nigeria has become an irresistible and important site of culture,
creativity and intellectual property. The above fact is therefore
significant to the establishment of WIPO’s external office in Nigeria.
”WIPO’s office in Nigeria will fulfill the three key objectives of
providing the much-needed capacity building for Africa with Nigeria as
regional hub; support local and regional information and technical
assistance system; and strengthen automated solutions by IP system and
public authorities for the country and the region,” the Minister
said.
The four-day exhibition, with the theme: “The Art of the Benin
Kingdom,” is showcasing the exquisite Benin art in the national
collection, alongside art works produced by some Benin artists. The
exhibition contains various genre of art such as paintings, sculpture,
and textiles.
