BY IKENNA ASOMBA

Concerned with the denigration of African arts and culture, owing to colonial imperialism, former Dean, School of Arts, Printing & Design, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Mr. Noserime Rukeme has charged government and other stakeholders to combine efforts towards the promotion of tourism in the country, noting that this will foster economic development.

Delivering the 2nd Inaugural Lecture of the College entitled, African Aesthetics: The Romance of Body Adornment, Rukeme opined that as the world is now a global village, with cultures moving in and out of various countries, there is need for Nigeria to boost its economic well-being as a nation with the stabilization of its rich tradition, arts and culture. This, he said, is achievable if only the nation goes back to the cradle and taking what it wants that will boost her economic well-being.

Earlier, the Rector of the College, Dr. (Mrs.) Margaret Kudirat Ladipo, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Innocent Akuhemokan, said the first and last inaugural lecture in the college was held in 2001 noting that “the increasing status of the college made the management to revisit the need for inaugural lectures by academic staff of the college. This is to enable them keep abreast with new trends and development in their areas of specialization, as well as boost academic activities in the institution.”

*Sculptures

Particularly concerned on how Nigeria can tap into her rich cultural heritage within the six geo-political zones making up the country, thus providing massive employment for its teeming unemployed youth populace, the inaugural lecturer said; “If we look at the peculiarity of each geo-political zone, each state, there are peculiar cultural affinities, the youths and populace can develop them to become a popular tourist attraction. These arts and artifacts can be produced into souvenirs just like it is being done in countries like Kenya and Namibia. If done, these works will become exotic and unique and people will be looking for them all over the world.”

However, in his one and half hour interactive discourse, the Chief Lecturer at the Department of Fine Arts, YABATECH, further explained that the uniqueness of African arts, is brought to fore by its recognition and influence on modern European artists. His words; “African arts refer to all the artistic production prior to the advent of Europeans (the pre-colonial era). It also refers to traditional (classic or indigenous) art produced by Africans for Africans within the framework of ethnic aesthetics, intellectual, moral and social values and institutions.

“African art is distinct the world over because it cannot be separated from the very traditions and values that produced it. Perhaps, it is on this premise that it came to European notice in 1905, when artists such as Vlaminck, Derain, Picasso and Modigliani recognised the aesthetic value of African sculpture.

“These artists were greatly influenced by African art forms, even as interests in the arts of Africa have flourished and many modern artists have rediscovered the enduring qualities of African art. Today, African art has come to be appreciated the world over for its intrinsic aesthetic value as well as continuing to be a source of inspiration for the works of western artists.”

Stressing the need for Nigeria and Africans in general to enhance her rich cultural heritage to free itself of poverty, the don held that “Africans should debunk assertions by the Western world that African arts and culture are primitive, tribal, native, fetish, black or idolatry and should be relegated to the background.”

Asked if the proliferation of modern religious belief systems such as Christianity and Islam won’t downplay the promotion of Nigerian arts and culture, Rukeme noted that there must always be a balance. He said; “In belief system, that was the confusion that came upon Nigerians and Africans in general, because we became confused when we were faced with Christianity and Islamic religion. But the Papal declaration noted that anything which is not against God that is cultural with values of African society should be inculcated into the worship. That is why you see decorations of wood carvings in Catholic churches and other churches.

“Even if you go to the Northern part of Nigeria, indigenous instruments are still being used in worship places. So I want to state here, that there can be a marriage of tradition, culture and modern religion. So, we don’t need to discard everything on the premise of fetishness, primitivity and uncivilization. ”