Nigerian artefacts from Bida and Kano

Posted bysesameeight 2 Comments on Nigerian artefacts from Bida and Kano

Describing the significant artefacts that JJ collected from his time working as an engineer in Nigeria (1914-1934). JJ brought the artefacts to Pendeen in 1946 and there they remained until the house was sold in 2015. Some of the brassware are inscribed ‘Bida”[1] others and the silver bowls are inscribed “Kano”[2]. The other significant brass tray has been identified as coming from Calabar[3] – a place that JJ was known to have lived in – details here.

The context of JJ’s time in Nigeria can be found here.

Artefacts from Bida

Evidence that JJ visited Bida[1] arise from two small brass bowls inscribed with “Bida” on the base (see below). In addition there are a number of similar brass bowls and plates all with geometric patterns, presumed also to be from Bida. Assumption is that JJ travelled to Bida by train and purchased them there. Perhaps this was in 1928 while his wife Mary was with him in Nigeria.

In addition there are 3 wooden stools from Nigeria, exact origin unknown:

John Johnson's Nupe stool pre 1940 showing top and legs
Nupe stool top and legs
Nupe stool pre 1940 base
Base of Nupe stool

10 legged “Nupe” stool[4] presumably purchased from Bida[5][6]

Nigerian Joruba stool, seated capped figure front view
Nigerian Joruba stool, seated capped figure side view

One of two similar stools. The facial features suggest source is the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria.[7]

Nigerian Joruba stool, three toed bird figure side view
Nigerian Joruba stool, three toed bird figure front view

Second Yoruba stool[8]. Clearly of same source with similar style toes. Height 40cm.

Nigeria Brass bowl Bida 9cm diameter
Nigeria Brass bowl Bida base

One of two 9cm diameter brass bowls inscribed Bida on the base. Height 4cm.

nigerian leopard tray 16cm tall
Nigerian Leopard tray 16cm tall side view

Yoruba leopard holding tray. 16cm tall. Brass. Note feet match those of stools above.

Artefacts from Kano

The only evidence for JJ visiting Kano are several artefacts inscribed “Kano”[2]. Kana was accessible by train and no doubt JJ would have had reasons to travel there. Perhaps JJ was accompanied by his wife Mary in 1928 and maybe Mary had a hand in their purchase.

Nigerian artefacts from Kano Brass tray 1925 "KENAAMADU KANO" 60 cm diam
Nigerian artefacts from Kano Brass tray 1925 "KENAAMADU KANO" 60 cm diam

Brass tray 60cm diameter inscribed “Aikena Amadu Kano” on base. This tray is dated 1925[9].

Silver bowl Aikena Amadu artefact from Kano, Nigeria
Silver bowl Aikena Amadu Kano
Silver bowl Aikena Amadu artefact from Kano, Nigeria

Silver bowl 7.5cm diameter also inscribed “Aikena Amadu Kano” on base. Presumably purchased 1920s

Nigerian Oval Brass Tray 46cm by 34cm from Kano
Figure and Kano on rear of Nigerian Oval Brass Tray

Oval Brass tray from Kano, Nigeria. 36cm by 24cm. Bird with stylised feathers embossed on rear with the word ‘Kano’

Brass tray from Calabar

Nigerian brass tray Palm tree with harvester, giraffe and stylised elephant/rhino 91cm diameter

Large brass charger, 91cm diameter showing African Oil Plam tree central, giraffe left and stylised elephant/rhinocerous right, with winged image above the tree. Brass charger originated in England and decorated in Efik city of Old Calabar[10].

Other places JJ had connections with

  • Enugu
  • Port Harcourt
  • Kaduna
  • Lokoja

Artefact References:

  1. Bida- Wikipedia
  2. Kano
  3. Calabar
  4. Nupe Stool example
  5. Bida Emirate – Wikipedia
  6. Nupe_people
  7. Yoruba people
  8. Yoruba stools(item on ebay)
  9. Ebay tray similar
  10. Calabar Brass Tray similar + history

Other links to be moved:

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2 Comments

  1. Hello
    I have just come across this fascinating piece about the artefacts from Bida, Kano and Calabar. Is anyone available to answer some questions?
    Thanks
    Damon

    Reply
    1. Reply
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