Traditional Industries in Nigeria

These consists of traditional crafts such as textiles, metal, ceramics, carving, traditional architecture, fibre crafts, among other industries. In Nigeria, the indigineous crafts are rooted in our history, integrated into our living patterns and inseparable from our world. In addition to constituting a potential force for the development of technology, tourism and economic stabilization in the rural areas, the traditional industries provide gainful employment as a complement to farming. Traditional industries in Nigeria are relatively widespread and they cover the following areas:

1. Ceramics: This is an important traditional art that thrived around the Abuja area. The development of this industry has also been associated with the widespread rich pottery craftsmanship and tradition,  which can be identified in different forms. Fine potteries are found in Isiagon, Afikpo, Osigwe and Booe of the south eastern states; Jos (Anaguta), Zaria, Dakakari and Yola areas of northern states; the Alolo, Akoko Edo, Abo, Ife and Abeokuta areas of the southwestern states. As an ancient technology, it reflects the historical experiences of the people.

2. Wood carving : This is one of the oldest and most important forms of art in Nigeria. The leading wood carvers are in Benin, Igbonima, Ekiti, Ife and Oyo areas of the western states; Akura-Iboni, Afikpo and Ikot Ekpene areas of  eastern states; and Lapai and Agale areas of Nupe land. The ancestral and ceremonial wood carvings of the Benin, Igbo, Ibibio, Igbira, Chamba and Mama (both in central plateau) and the Yoruba are famous for their power of expression and simplicity of form.

3. Ivory carvings: The Benin people are excellent ivory carversbwhose products are internationally recognized. The works of these craftsmen and the ancient ivories by the Yoruba carvers are also among the most beautiful works of Nigerian arts. In other parts of the country, particularly the eastern states, a richly designed sub-style of the Benin crafts exists in the form of bangles and other fashion accessories and musical instruments.

4. Calabash carvings: Calabash carving remains predominantly a major activity in Oyo, the political centre of the Yoruba people. The northern states of Plateau, Bauchi, Sokoto, Adamawa and Borno  however produce richly decorated and beautiful burnt on engraved geometric designed calabashes which are widely used for every need as containers, food bowls, trays and so on.

5. Leather works: The northern states are well known for the decoration of hides and leather by applique techniques and the scoring or printing of designs patterns. Naraguta (Jos), Sokoto, Kano and Maiduguri areas are well known centres of leather craft,  although good and richly decorated leather works also abound in Oyo. Products from this crafts include bags,  sandals, shoes and many other leather materials.

6. Raffia and Fibre works.: This is a very important craft that is evenly spr as through out Nigeria. The craftsmen and women of Ikot-Ekpene, Warn, Maiduguri and Brass,  produce beautiful designs of baskets, cane works fibre craft also called fai-fai and richly cultured coloured mats and screens. The Nupe and the Ijebu are also well known for producing distinctive mats, hand fans,  winnowing trays and woven curtains.