THE NOK CULTURE

Description

This publication is the first overview of Nok terracotta sculptures, discovered in a Nigerian region known today as the birthplace of the monumental sculpture of Africa. Excavations over the past fifteen years have uncovered hundreds of terracotta and fragments that have been central to rites performed in Nok civilization 2,500 years ago: the oldest known figurative sculptures south of the Sahara. The Nok art confronts us with figures of great beauty and nobility. These include superbly modeled princes represented in parade dress, or figures that show beards cleverly linked with braided locks. Multiple armbands, neck ornaments, and cords indicate a higher artistic skill. Centuries of artistic practice offensive may well have preceded the development of this unique culture. About a hundred authenticated Nok characters, most published here for the first time are included in this richly illustrated publication, accompanied by two tests that need to examine more closely the mysteries of this enigmatic culture.