This question was not popular among the candidates, obviously because it is an art tradition outside Nigeria. The responses of the few candidates that attempted the question were very poor as they could not differentiate between the forms and features. Consequently, the candidates failed to obtain the available marks. Candidates should have answered the question by giving some of the following points:
(a) Fon art belong to the Fon people of Ewe origin in Dahomey (now Republic of
Benin).
(b) - Brass/Bronze
- Clay
- Silver
- Calabash
- Textile
- wood
- metal
(c) - themes of works are based on everyday life of the people.
- they are semi-naturalistic and naturalistic in style.
- forms are cylindrical.
- carvings are simple, showing delicate sensitivity.
- animals and human forms are commonly used.
- relief works have decorative patterns.
- forms are elongated.
- figures are placed on pedestals.
- some figures are represented in groups.
(d) - statues with sword in hand and with animal head.
- masks and animal head surmounted by human figures.
- low reliefs in clay and painted with bright colours.
- carvings covered with sheets of brass and silver with embossed inscriptions.
- sculpted door panels.
- miniature brass figures depicting cultural and religious ceremonies.
- calabash engravings
- appliqué and traditional textiles.
(e) - used for religion, e.g. worship, rituals, rites, etc.
- used for social purposes. e.g. everyday activities, commemoration of events, honouring of the wealthy people, record history.
- used for aesthetics, e.g. palace decoration.
- used for economic purposes, e.g. agriculture.