An art dealer and craftsman, Isah Lawan, has warned that Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage is facing a crisis as interest in traditional arts and crafts dwindles among locals.
Lawan, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said the lack of interest raises concerns about the future of the nation’s artistic identity.
The art merchant, who had been in the business for about 40 years, and currently plies his trade at the Eko Hotel and Suites Art and Crafts Centre, expressed disappointment over Nigerians’ declining interest in their heritage.
“To be sincere with you, I think the expatriates love it more than we Nigerians.
“When we have about 40 to 50 Europeans that come to the market, you can say about 30 would like to buy artworks.
“But Nigerians, we don’t put much interest in it,” he said.
According to him, the lack of appreciation stems from a growing cultural disconnect worsened by the removal of traditional history and art education from school curriculums.
He added that many homes that once proudly displayed indigenous artworks have abandoned the practice, often due to religious misconceptions labeling these items as ‘demonic’ or ‘superstitious’.
The dealer, however, said that craftsmen had taken the responsibility of curating the artworks in their stores, according to various cultures in Nigeria, to preserve their history.
“We don’t want it to just go like that. We want our tourists to inherit the cultural aspects of life we were having before.
“So, we now keep so many artistic works to show our children, for them to know this is so-and-so artwork from so-and-so place,” he said.
Lawan called on stakeholders, particularly the government, for a revival of national festivals such as the 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77).
He also called for the reintroduction of art excursions for students.
“If we don’t act now, our history will be forgotten,” he warned.
The craftsman recommended that stakeholders adopt cultural education, awareness campaigns and policy support to prevent Nigeria’s artistic heritage from fading into obscurity.
