The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art recently welcomed 20 students from Orimedu Senior Secondary School, for an enlightening educational program titled Pre-colonial Societies in Nigeria (PSN). This program is designed specifically for senior secondary students, to further improve their understanding of Nigerian history through the art, utilizing object-based learning techniques.

The visit started with an overview of the museum's history, the vital role museums play in preserving culture and educating the public, the mission behind the PSN program, and a tour of the museum.

The Session focused on pre-colonial Igbo culture, where students explored different forms of Igbo art. During their tour, students learned about Igbo sculptures through various artworks like Erahbor Emokpae's "Kwashiokor", Okpu Eze's "Adanma Masquerade" and notably Ben Enwonwu's iconic sculpture, "Anyanwu" and the techniques involved in their creation, which frequently incorporates materials like wood, iron, clay, and bronze, with detailed discussions on techniques such as carving, casting, and chiseling.

Topics such as Igbo architecture, cosmology, religious deities, ancestral veneration, and the symbolic representation of societal values were also taught during this enlightening session.

The Program concluded with a hands-on session, where students participated in practical activities such as face painting and drawing symbols from traditional art forms like Uli, Nsibidi, and Itchi. These intricate designs are rich in cultural significance and artistic expression.

This enriching experience was made possible by the generous support of the Dashurs Foundation. The students expressed their sincere gratitude for the opportunity to engage with cultural heritage in such a meaningful way.