There was this year my colleagues and I went on a field trip to some selected areas in Jos plateau state. The field trip course was a pre-requisite course for students studying Biology, One of the few selected areas was Jos Museum, our tour guide showed us and explained the historical values of some of the artifacts we came across.
Some of the artifacts displayed were from the colonial period including items related to the tin-mining industry and Railway. We also got the opportunity to ascend the 100 steps of Afizere settlements, a beautiful site from the top. The tour was not only exciting and fascinating but also enriching and educative.
The next point of our visit was the Jos wildlife, where animals were kept in their natural habitat, we saw lions, snakes, different species of monkeys, Chimpanzees, and birds. A lot of people were at the wildlife taking pictures and having a good time, we were instructed to take some precautionary measures in order not to provoke or irritate the animals in the wild, we were asked to walk silently and avoid throwing objects at them. I must say nature and the memories of such events make life beautiful. I must say, it was fun enjoying the beauty of nature in such a relaxing way or manner.
If you have ever visited a museum or an Art collection centre, then you would marvel at the work of art in its entirety and beauty. Everything around us from the beautiful patterns and designs on the clothes we wear, the houses we live in, the cars we drive, the plates, spoons, jewelry, beads, photographs, and portraits hung on the walls of our homes, chairs, tables, birthday and wedding cards etcetera is nothing but the beautiful work of art and crafts appreciated by man.
Arts can be described as speaking unspoken words in pictures, expressions, and decorations. Everything in nature is a product of art. An artwork is said to be an expression of the mind or thoughts of the creator. What the mind conceives and is able to bring to light is art. Art tells us more about our historical and cultural values.
Like a tree with several branches; arts can broadly be seen or viewed from two major angles ranging from Performing arts ( Music, Dance, and Drama), and creative arts which can also be sub-divided into the literary arts ( prose and poetry), and creative arts which includes sculpting, (sculptures), painting, textiles, ceramics and graphics.
Even locally or manually produced artifacts like weaving mats, baskets, beads, clay pots etcetera are symbols of the beauty of arts. They add that spark and light to our surroundings in addition to the background knowledge or insight into our history.
Due to the rich and beautiful hereditary culture of Nigeria, over time the Ministry of Tourism and Culture has attracted and is still attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world. A huge amount of money is invested into the maintenance and exhibition of these artifacts. Some states in Nigeria like Bauchi state where we hear of the Yankari Games Reserve, Jos Plateau where we have places like Jos Museum and Zoological Garden, and Calabar state which holds its annual carnival annually are a few amongst others.
One of the major challenges that artists or craftsmen face today is centered on finance, sometimes, even those who produce locally-made artifacts depend on available resources to get the raw materials needed. Several thousands or millions of dollars are invested to produce, showcase exhibit, and maintain these artifacts.
Truthfully speaking, there are quite a good number of art collection centre especially in Nigeria, but the question still remains, how many of these artists; most interestingly those who produce locally, have access to these centres? How many of these skills or craftworks are being showcased? More exhibitions of artworks should be encouraged at local, National, and international levels. Funds can also be made available to support these artists, remember the mind has the ability to conceive and create, but some external factors ( or resources) are necessary in order to produce what the mind has conceived.
The exhibition of these artifacts and craftworks can serve as a source of income or revenue for the individuals or the country at large. They tend to have the ability to attract potential buyers and lovers of artwork from all over the world. It is worthwhile to note that youths should go into Arts and Craftsmanship as a means of livelihood where there are no white-collar jobs. They can also be encouraged to attend formal schools or vocational schools where they can be professionally trained. Arts generally entertain, educate, and beautify everything around us. It gives life a sense of meaning and purpose. Look around you, all you can see or ever imagine is Art.