NIG ERIAN CULTURE Created by: wasiu abayomi

Map of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

POPULATION President: Goodluck Jonathan (2010) Land area: 351,649 sq mi (910,771 sq km); total area: 356,667 sq mi (923,768 sq km) Population (2010 est.): 152,217,341 Capital (2003 est.): Abuja, 590,400 (metro. area), 165,700 (city proper) Capital (2003 est.): Largest cities: Lagos (2003 est.), 11,135,000 (metro. area), 5,686,000 (city proper); Kano, 3,329,900; Ibadan, 3,139,500; Kaduna, 1,510,300 Monetary unit: Naira

Languages/Ethno-linguistic groups The large population of Nigeria also brings about diversity in the language spoken there. English is the main language of Nigeria. Nigeria has more than 250 ethnic groups, with varying languages and customs, creating a country of rich ethnic diversity. The largest ethnic groups are the Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo.

ART Art is a very important part of the Nigerian culture. Today art in Nigeria ranges from Sculptures, mask, and paintings. Cultural activities, such as music and dance, are also a large part of art in Nigeria. Nigerian art go back more than 2000 years. Nigerian art work display their craftsmanship skills with wood, copper and bronze. The art from Nigeria can be seen in their cultural centers, as well as many museums throughout the world.

Bronze Statue of Ooni of Ife/Bronze head of Olokun, the god of the sea and wealth

Oba of Benin Mask/Ceremonial Oba

YORUBA BEADED CROWN/EGUNGUN COSTUME

FOOD The most popular food eaten by Nigerians are fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood. The difference between what Nigerians eat and what Americans/Caribbean eat is how they prepare the food. Families still eat most of their meals at home. When Nigerians prepare food for their families, they also prepare enough for anyone who may stop by. In your internet travel to Nigeria you will experience traditional Nigerian food.

Jollof rice with dodo

Pounded Yam

cultures and festivals Nigeria boasts of a plethora of customs and traditions, cultures and festivals, that would appeal to the tastes of the average tourist. The Argungu Fishing Festival in Kebbi State which has over the years acquired international recognition, is however removed from traditional religious celebration

Festival Cont. The Yorubas festivals include chieftaincy installations, the Osun festival (Osogbo, Osun State) the Eyo masquerade (Lagos State) beside others. Anambra and Enugu States, there are the Manwu festival; in Abia State there are the Ekpe festival, the Ekpe masquerade and the (New yam) festival.

New Yam (igbo) Festival in Dublin

Eyo masquerade (Lagos State)

Music Nigerian music is extremely vibrant and lively. The popular music of Nigeria are highlife, afrobeat, juju, apala, gospel, sakara, reggae, jazz, hip hop and a lot more. As Nigeria culture is completely multi-ethnic, the music in Nigeria is influenced by a lot of traditions of different tribes. However the most important thing to note here is that, the music has got its roots in the tradition.

Yoruba drummers

Hausa musicians performing in Nigeria

Igbo Dancers

Association of Nigerians in Jamaica dancers perform for guests at Commonwealth Day celebration held at Jamaica House

Ethnic diversity in Music

Goje/ Sakarafrom Nigeria

Bata/Talking drum

Traditional drum

sekere

DRESS Nigerian citizens wear traditional Nigeria clothing. Some of the material they use are: lace, jacquard, adire and ankara. They also tie and die. Clothing is also an important part of ceremonies. Nigerians take pride in their traditional dress.

Traditional attires

Religion Religions in Nigeria exist along regional and ethnic distinctions. All religions represented in Nigeria are practiced : Islam Christianity Traditional Belief Other Belief

Nigerian Marriage & Culture Marriage is one of the most important social customs in Nigeria. Marriage gives an individual respect and status, and therefore many single people are pressured to marry. Marriage is also viewed as a way to make one big family out of two families Family Roles The majority of families in Nigeria still have men as the head of households and the division of labor within the household is gendered. In traditional families men are farmers or other types of laborers, while women may work in the home and help out with the harvest. Large families are quite common in Nigeria. The majority of the population cherishes children as part of their culture and so most families will have between four and six children. Reproduction is so important for most Nigerians that it is considered to be the main function of marriage. Polygyny, the most common form of polygamy, where husbands have multiple wives, is still practiced in many parts of Nigeria. However, divorce is so frowned upon, that even if a couple doesn't practice polygyny, a woman may still be very forgiving of affairs.

Wedding Pictures

Further readings en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Niger ia Nigeria Embassy in Jamaica

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