Wood works

In this section of shops (A3 - A11), you'll find woodcrafts here.

Wood carving has been an integral art form for expressing Nigerian culture and traditions, dating all the way back to the 12th century. Cities such Benin, Lagos and Awka are major hubs for wood carving. Carvers have flourished in these regions for a long time, crafting figurines which reflect the rich history and beliefs of the country and its people throughout time (Lawal, 1977).

The "Primitivist" art movement, which began in Europe in the early 20th century was essentially a fascination with non-Western art and culture. Artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Georges Braque were particularly drawn to the abstract forms and bold, graphic designs of African masks and sculptures, which they incorporated into their own work. These African masks were typically made of woods, raffia or other metals (Alfert, 1972).

Emmanuel who hails from Ibadan, a nearby city says he started his crafting journey in 1968. He explained that he showed a natural passion for art and spent most of his childhood carving woodworks. Each piece is so intricate, he explains that even though his smaller pieces can be done in under an hour, his larger ones may take up to two days to complete. Since he started selling at the art market in 2002, he has had four apprentices work under him. These men have gone on to be successful in their own ways and now have their own shops in the market.

You can find Emmanuel's shop in A5