TAILIEUCHUNG - Illegal trafficking of artefacts and traditional art works in Nigeria. A security threat

This study attempts to examine the illegal trafficking of Artefacts and traditional art works as a security threat. It also addresses various views by some Nigerian scholars on this issue. The ways at curbing the notorious activities of looters or plunders is analyzed, some looted works are assessed using about two art historical approaches, formalism and Iconography. Illegal trafficking of the above mentioned items is not new in historical studies but the dimension it has assumed in the country, is of great concern. The need to find newer ways at controlling this canker worm is of urgent necessity. | Journal of Anthropology & Archaeology 1(1); June 2013 pp. 57-68 Odokuma & Aganbi Illegal Trafficking of Artefacts and Traditional Art Works in Nigeria. A Security Threat Ese Odokuma, PhD Department Of Fine/Applied Arts Faculty of Arts, Delta State University Mr. . Aganbi Department Of Fine/Applied Arts Faculty of Arts Delta State University Abstract This study attempts to examine the illegal trafficking of Artefacts and traditional art works as a security threat. It also addresses various views by some Nigerian scholars on this issue. The ways at curbing the notorious activities of looters or plunders is analyzed, some looted works are assessed using about two art historical approaches, formalism and Iconography. Illegal trafficking of the above mentioned items is not new in historical studies but the dimension it has assumed in the country, is of great concern. The need to find newer ways at controlling this canker worm is of urgent necessity. . Map of Nigeria Background to the Study Since the mid-twentieth century researchers has continued to make reference to works of art not available in our National Museums across Nigeria. This is simply because such works have continued to reside in International Museums, galleries and private places around the world. © American Research Institute for Policy Development 57 Journal of Anthropology & Archaeology 1(1); June 2013 pp. 57-68 Odokuma & Aganbi The question is, how did this happen? Of course we may like to use a more decent description to answer? Looting? Trafficking? Even plundering or simply stealing of Artefacts and works of art. It is however disheartening to know that all these descriptions, here carefully being planned out by the west, to adorn their museums, galleries and private homes why? We may ask? In order to make profit? Profit over that which is illegal? Call if tourist attraction or simply for educational values. Nigerians have to travel miles just to see the .

• Lịch sử - Văn hoá
• Illegal trafficking of artefacts
• T raditional art works in Nigeria
• A security threat
• Traditional art works
• Formalism and Iconography
• Art historical approaches