The Architecture of Terra Incognita: Unraveling the Labyrinth in the “Unknown” Nigerian Architecture

Abstract

This paper examined the erstwhile prevailing belief that Nigeria and indeed, Africa, lacked its own well developed architecture; stemming from its lack of original and authentic civilization.  Thus, African architecture and art were perceived by some early Western explorers and scholars as Terra Incognita (or Unknown Territory); not having been explored by these explorers and therefore thought to be lacking in originality and authenticity. The works of early Western voyagers tended to cast aspersions on African civilization; including its history, art and architecture. Africa was thus perceived from derogatory light. Moreover, the prevailing view was that what was characterized as Nigerian (African) Architecture was actually borrowed works of European architects and artists. At best, early Western writers posited that African art discovered in early twentieth century could not have been produced by the African. The Ife Head, for instance, was credited to other lost ancient civilizations by explorers such as Leo Frobenius. However, this study found evidence from the writings of other scholars to counter this hypothesis. Through reviewing works on discovered remains found in Nok, Ife, Benin City, and Igbo-Ukwu, it became evident that Nigeria (Africa) had authentic art and architecture. Using review and analysis of relevant literature it was shown that Africa was richly endowed with ubiquitous archeological evidence of art and architectural artifacts.From the writings of Bogda Prucnal-Ogunsote, it was revealed that Nigerian architecture could be classified into different periods, each identifiable by distinct features, similar to the classifications of Western architecture and those of other civilizations.

Keywords:

Terra Incognita: Unknown Territory

Architecture of Terra Incognita: Unknown architecture

Labyrinth: Maze

Unraveling: By unraveling the Labyrinth, one implies the notion of deconstructing the myth of the unknown or hidden territory. To “unravel” is analogous to “disentangling” as if it were a “mystery”.