The Nok Culture: Art in Nigeria 2500 Years Ago

Chesi, Gert; Merzeder, Gerhard; The Nok Culture: Art in Nigeria 2500 Years Ago; Prestel Books, 2006.

In 1928 in central Nigeria tin miners uncovered clay shards which, when reconstructed, were found to be fragments of terracotta sculptures. The unique representations of human heads and other figures date from 500 BCE and are attributed to a culture known today as Nok.

One hundred authenticated pieces, many shown here for the first time, are collected in this exciting introduction to an enigmatic culture that is thought to be the oldest known organized civilization in sub-Saharan Africa. While much about the Nok people remains unknown, their craftsmanship and attention to detail speak volumes about their talents, understanding of beauty, and sophistication.

Lavishly illustrated throughout and with essays discussing Nok art, this collection offers an intriguing glimpse into an important chapter in the history of African art.

Gert Chesi is the founder of the Ethnographical Museum in Schwaz, Austria. The author of many pioneering books on African art and cultural practices, he has lived in Africa for many years.

Gerhard Merzeder is a photographer and avid collector of African art.

156 pages, 141 color photos.