Culture

Kano Traditional Craftsmanship Thrives as a Proud Cultural, Economic Heritage

Published

1 year ago

August 13, 2025

Kano traditional craftsmanship remains a cultural treasure and economic driver, with artisans preserving skills like leatherwork, dyeing, weaving, and more

Kano traditional craftsmanship has remained one of Nigeria’s strongest symbols of heritage, with artisans preserving centuries-old skills that continue to define the city’s identity and economy.

Also read: Kano Converts Historic Kurmawa Prison into Cultural Museum

From bustling markets like Kofar Wambai to the ancient Kofar Mata dye pits, these crafts embody both cultural pride and practical livelihood for many families in Kano.

Despite the spread of imported goods and modern production methods, the value of these handmade creations endures.

Leatherwork, a globally recognized craft, transforms animal hides into shoes, belts, handbags, and saddles that are sold locally and across West Africa.

Dyeing, especially with indigo, remains central to Hausa ceremonial attire, while weaving produces traditional fabrics like Zane and Shadda for cultural and religious celebrations.

Artisans also excel in embroidery, crafting intricate patterns on Babbar Riga gowns and Hausa caps; blacksmithing, producing vital farming and household tools; and pottery, shaping clay into cooking pots, tulu water vessels, and decorative vases.

Other cherished crafts include calabash carving for ceremonial use, wood carving for architectural beauty, bead making for jewellery and cultural adornment, and mat weaving for home, mosque, and community gatherings.

Beyond beauty, these crafts offer economic opportunity, tourism potential, and a safeguard for Kano’s cultural legacy.

Also read: Kano’s sallah durbar cancellation disrupts record breaking plans

Many locals believe that investing in traditional craftsmanship could boost employment and preserve a priceless heritage for future generations.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”