NECO Visual Art 2024 Questions & Answers

(1i)
Location:
Benin Art originates from the Kingdom of Benin, which is located in present-day Nigeria. The kingdom, with its capital in Benin City, was one of the most influential and powerful empires in West Africa, flourishing from the 13th century until its decline in the late 19th century.

(1ii)
Medium:
Benin Art utilizes various mediums, primarily bronze, ivory, wood, and terracotta. Bronze is particularly significant, renowned for its intricate detailing achieved through the lost-wax casting technique. Ivory is prized for its smoothness, ideal for delicate carvings. Wood is used for masks and statues, while terracotta serves for early sculptures.

(1iii)
Characteristics:
(i) The art often depicts lifelike representations of human figures, animals, and scenes from court life, showcasing high levels of detail and realism.
(ii) Important figures, such as the Oba (king), are depicted larger than other figures, emphasizing their status and significance.
(iii) Many artworks are rich in symbolic meaning, representing power, spirituality, and social hierarchy. For instance, leopards and crocodiles are common motifs symbolizing royalty and strength.
(iv) The precision and skill in metalworking, especially in the lost-wax casting technique for bronze sculptures, highlight the advanced craftsmanship of Benin artists.
(v) Artistic works often feature repetitive patterns and motifs, demonstrating a sense of order and structure.

(1iv)
Functions:
(i) Many pieces were used in religious rituals and ceremonies, believed to hold spiritual power or to honor deities and ancestors.
(ii) Artworks were used to assert the power and authority of the Oba and the ruling elite, reinforcing social hierarchies and political structures.
(iii) Plaques and sculptures often commemorated significant events, victories, and the reigns of past Obas, serving as historical records.
(iv) Art pieces were used to adorn palaces, shrines, and other important structures, reflecting the wealth and sophistication of the Benin Kingdom.
(v) Some artworks were produced for trade with Europeans, particularly during the 15th to 19th centuries, showcasing the kingdom’s artistic prowess to the wider world.

(2a)
Colour symbolism refers to the use of colors to represent ideas or convey meanings beyond their literal sense. Different cultures and contexts attribute specific emotions, values, and concepts to various colors, which can evoke particular responses or associations in viewers.

(2b)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Red: Passion, energy, danger, love, and power.

(ii) Blue: Calmness, trust, stability, and sadness.

(iii) Green: Nature, growth, harmony, and fertility.

(iv) Yellow: Happiness, optimism, caution, and enlightenment.

(v) Black: Mystery, elegance, death, and sophistication.

(vi) White: Purity, innocence, peace, and simplicity.

(vii) Purple: Royalty, luxury, spirituality, and ambition.

(viii) Orange: Enthusiasm, creativity, warmth, and encouragement.

(ix) Pink: Love, compassion, femininity, and gentleness.

(x) Brown: Earthiness, reliability, stability, and comfort.

(4a)
Calabash decoration refers to the artistic process of embellishing calabashes (dried gourd shells) using various techniques such as carving, painting, engraving, and pyrography (burning designs into the surface). These decorated calabashes can be used for functional purposes, as well as for aesthetic and cultural expressions.

(4b)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Oyo State
(ii) Niger State
(ii) Kebbi State
(iv) Bauchi State

(4c)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Food and drink containers
(ii) Musical instruments (e.g., shekere, drums)
(iii) Decorative items
(iv) Storage vessels
(v) Cooking utensils
(vi) Ritual and ceremonial objects
(vii) Traditional medicine containers

*VISUAL ART*

(5a)
Lamidi Fakeye played a pivotal role in reviving traditional Yoruba wood carving, preserving its rich heritage amid modernization. He innovatively blended traditional forms with contemporary elements, gaining international acclaim and showcasing his work in prestigious venues like the Smithsonian Institution. As a dedicated mentor, he trained many apprentices, ensuring the continuation of Yoruba carving techniques. His detailed carvings documented and preserved Yoruba mythology, history, and cultural practices, maintaining a strong sense of identity within the community. Through global exhibitions and lectures, Fakeye educated audiences about Yoruba art, building cross-cultural appreciation. His legacy endures through the artists he inspired, significantly enriching Nigerian carving and demonstrating the adaptability and enduring power of traditional arts.

(5b)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) “Aro Metta” (Three Kings)
(ii) “Eshu” (The Yoruba deity of trickery and mischief)
(iii) “Orunmila” (The deity of wisdom and divination)
(iv) “Sango” (The deity of thunder and lightning)
(v) “Oya” (The deity of wind, storms, and transformation)
(vi) “Yemoja” (The deity of rivers and motherhood)
(vii) “Eyo” (Masquerade figure from Lagos)

(6a)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Wood
(ii) Leather
(iii) Metal
(iv) Clay
(v) Fabric
(vi) Papier-mache

(6b)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Rituals and Ceremonies
(ii) Cultural Identity
(iii) Storytelling
(iv) Spiritual Communication
(v) Artistic Expression
(vi) Social Order
(vii) Education and Moral Instruction

(6c)
(PICK ANY ONE)
(i) Rituals and Ceremonies: African masks are integral to various rituals and ceremonies, often used in dances, festivals, and religious rites. They are believed to embody spirits, ancestors, or deities, facilitating communication between the physical and spiritual worlds. During these events, masks serve as a medium through which the community connects with the supernatural, seeking blessings, protection, and guidance. The elaborate designs and symbolic motifs of the masks convey specific meanings and are vital in ensuring the rituals’ authenticity and efficacy.

(ii) Cultural Identity: African masks are a significant representation of cultural identity and heritage. Each mask embodies unique artistic traditions and symbolic meanings specific to the ethnic group or tribe that created it. These masks are often passed down through generations, preserving the distinct artistic styles, cultural narratives, and historical contexts of the community. By wearing and performing with these masks, individuals reaffirm their cultural roots and maintain a sense of belonging and continuity. The intricate designs, materials used, and the specific occasions for which the masks are created and worn all contribute to a rich tapestry of cultural expression and identity.

(iii) Storytelling: African masks play a crucial role in storytelling, conveying myths, legends, and historical events. Through masked performances, oral traditions are brought to life, with the mask wearers acting as narrators and characters in the stories. These performances are not only entertaining but also educational, as they impart moral lessons, communal values, and historical knowledge. The visual impact of the masks, combined with dance, music, and dramatization, creates a powerful and immersive storytelling experience that captivates the audience and ensures the preservation and transmission of cultural knowledge and wisdom.

(iv) Spiritual Communication: African masks serve as vital tools for spiritual communication. They are believed to hold the power to invoke spirits, ancestors, and deities during rituals and ceremonies. When individuals wear these masks, they are thought to be transformed or possessed by the spiritual entities they represent. This allows the wearer to act as a mediator between the physical and spiritual worlds, conveying messages, blessings, and guidance from the spiritual realm to the community. The masks’ designs often incorporate symbolic elements that resonate with specific spiritual beliefs, making them powerful conduits for divine interaction.

(v) Artistic Expression: African masks are celebrated for their artistic expression, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of the artisans who make them. The process of creating a mask involves intricate carving, painting, and decoration, reflecting the artist’s skill and aesthetic sensibility. These masks are not only functional objects used in rituals but also works of art that embody the cultural and artistic heritage of their makers. The diversity of styles, materials, and techniques used in mask-making highlights the rich artistic traditions across different African cultures.

(vi) Social Order: Masks play a role in maintaining social order within communities. They are often used in ceremonies that enforce social norms, laws, and moral codes. For instance, some masks are worn during judicial processes, where masked figures may act as judges or enforcers of the law, ensuring justice and fairness. By representing authority and moral integrity, these masks help to reinforce societal values and discourage deviant behavior. The anonymity and authority conferred by the mask allow the wearer to transcend personal identity and embody communal ideals.

(vii) Education and Moral Instruction: African masks are used as educational tools, imparting moral lessons and ethical guidance to community members, especially the youth. Through masked performances, stories and parables are enacted to teach values such as honesty, bravery, respect, and community solidarity. These performances are often didactic, with the masks symbolizing various virtues and vices. By observing and participating in these traditions, individuals learn about their cultural heritage and the moral principles that underpin their society