On a balmy Wednesday morning in November 2021, while staying in Victoria Island, Lagos, we visited the Nigerian National Museum.
The museum was rich with artifacts from the three main tribes of Nigeria: Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo (my partner Chuck’s people).
We saw a variety of masquerade outfits, the types of huts by tribe and their specific wares, fertility figures, birthing tools, insanely intricate beading and a variety of objects that were used as currency before coins.
Carvings
Masquerade outfits
A masquerade, often regarded as spirits of the departed, reappearing occasionally to influence the affairs of men on earth.
Fertility figures and birthing tools
Intricate beading, cowrie shells and pottery
Currency before coins
Colourful fabrics
And now for a touch of modern
After we toured the museum, we peeked into a room with a bunch of people putting together an art exhibit. The curator beckoned us in and proceeded to show us some amazing pieces by a variety of local artists.
She introduced us to one of the artists, Moyosore Jolaolu, who showed us his work and shared his stories with us. The artistic talent in this place is undeniable. 
After our visit, as we walked along the street, we came across this young man drawing out an intricate portrait of some iconic African men.
