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DEBOJO COMMUNITY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AT YSMA

picture of Yemisi Shylon museum
Dec 21, 2024

The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art hosted 20 Debojo Community Senior High School students for an educational programme titled Pre-colonial Societies in Nigeria (PSN). This initiative, tailored specifically for senior secondary students, aims to deepen their understanding of Nigerian history through art, using object-based learning techniques.

The visit began with an introduction to the museum's history and the significance of museums in preserving culture and educating society. The museum’s mission, heavily focused on education, was emphasized, highlighting the purpose behind the creation of the PSN programme.

The students engaged with various artworks during their tour, particularly Ben Enwonwu's renowned sculpture Anyanwu. This piece, representing the awakening of the African spirit, served as a powerful metaphor for Nigeria's progress toward liberation and self-determination.

They also delved into pre-colonial Igbo culture, examining different forms of Igbo art and the techniques used in their creation. They explored the art of Igbo sculpture, which often utilizes wood, iron, clay, and bronze., with techniques such as carving, casting, and chiseling explored in detail. The lost-wax method, commonly used in bronze casting, was particularly noted. Additionally, the students learned about Igbo textiles and pottery, expanding their knowledge of traditional crafts.

Other topics covered included Igbo architecture, cosmology, religious deities, ancestral veneration, and the symbolic representation of societal values.

The day concluded with a hands-on session where the students engaged in practical activities, including face painting and drawing symbols from Uli, Nsibidi, and Itchi art—traditional forms of body and wall painting known for their intricate designs and cultural importance.

The Dashurs Foundation sponsored the programme, and the students expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the enriching experience.