Ways of the Rivers: Arts and Environment of the Niger Delta

Ways of the Rivers: Unit 6: Celebrating a Watery World

Summary

In this final unit students refer to the work of a contemporary Nigerian artist before creating their own sculpture. An introduction to Delta proverbs follows. After a look at activities and celebrations held on water throughout the world, students culminate their study with their own water festival.

Ways of the Rivers: Unit 5: Crosscurrents: Shared Traditions in the Niger Delta

Summary:

Perhaps the most distinctive of the arts of the Niger Delta are the elaborate masquerade traditions. Activities center on an exploration of mask styles, the creation of headdresses and an analysis of selected masks that represent animal spirits of land and water. A graphing activity and comparisons between the Niger and Mississippi Rivers follow.

Ways of the Rivers: Unit 4: Life on the Delta

Summary

Unit Four focuses on growing up in the Niger Delta. Naming ceremonies, coming-of-age traditions and funeral rites are studied. Students explore the significance of names, create hats denoting rank and status and learn a game played by children of the Delta. River Activities address the formation and characteristic of rivers and wetlands. 

Ways of the Rivers: Unit 3: Ivri and Identity: Individually in Niger Delta Art

Unit 3: Ivri and Identity: Individuality in Niger Delta Art

Among Niger Delta peoples many traditions are shared while others distinguish a particular community. Students explore ways that individuals and groups express identities through shrine, art and ritual, and they pursue writing activities centered on rivers and other waterways. The water cycle and divergent needs of people who live along rivers are considered. 

Ways of the Rivers: Unit 2: Palm Oil, Petroleum and Pirates

Summary

The Niger Delta's long history and present circumstances are the subjects of this unit. Activities encourage students to examine the global effects of trade, environmental devastation of the Niger Delta and the responses of the artists and writers to these events. Students examine a contemporary Bill of Rights formulated by a Delta group and compare it with that of the United States. Arts and science come together as students study the effects of oil on water.

Curriculum Resource Unit for Ways of the Rivers

Summary

This unit explores the arts and cultures of the Niger Delta. Emphasizing the importance of water and environment in daily and spiritual life, this major exhibition and curriculum resource unit focus on a multicultural assemblage of large-scale masks, water spirit headdresses, warrior figures, puppets, and ritual dress.