US Grants $90,000 To Nigeria For Nok Artifacts Preservation

The United States government and Nigeria have entered into a partnership for the Fiscal Year 2023 Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grant, aimed at protecting the Nok heritage and artifacts.

The $90,000 grant will be used to support the preservation and safeguarding of Nok artifacts.

The signing ceremony which took place between the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, underscore the US partnership in preserving Nigerian cultural heritage, particularly in the preservation work for threatened Nok artifacts.

The Nok civilization, known for its distinctive terracotta sculptures, is one of West Africa’s oldest and cultures, with the artifacts remaining a central component of Nigeria’s artistic and historical heritage.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, said that the goal of the project is to ensure that knowledge and skills that are required for effective preservation are transmitted and sustained.

He there fore reiterate US’ commitment to work closely with Nigerian counterparts and partners to protect all the heritage for future generations.

“Over the last five years, the U.S. mission here in Nigeria has allocated $1.2 million U.S. to help preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage, working with some of the partners in this room, including the Ministry of Culture.

So today we are here to reaffirm our commitment to cultural preservation and to celebrate the strong partnership between the United States and Nigeria. This project, supported by a cultural property agreement implementation grant, will cover digital documentation, museum education workshops, and site security measures. It will also include in-person seminars led by experts from the Yale University Art Gallery”, he said.

Ambassador Mills, further stressed that cultural preservation is a shared responsibility that the American people hold in high esteem, as It reflects their values as Americans, and it demonstrates ties to friends like Nigeria.

“The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, AFCP, exists to show the American people’s respect for other cultures it projects support post-disaster, post-conflict recovery, they create economic opportunities, and they reinforce broader cultural ties and understandings. It’s one of the best things the U.S. government does”.

Adding that: “History is who we are and why we are the way we are. By preserving these not outer facts, we are not only safeguarding history, but also ensuring that future generations can learn from and be inspired by these remarkable pieces of cultural heritage.

The Nok-Terra-Cotta artifacts are not only a testament to the ingenuity and the creativity of Africa’s early civilizations, but they remain a vital part of the cultural identity of the Nigerian people. Preserving these artifacts helps us all, Nigerians, Americans, globally, understand the history, the identity of the Nok people, and by extension, the broader human story we all share”.

Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism And Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, explained that artifacts are not just historical relics; they are the tangible expressions of ancestral creativity, ingenuity, and cultural identity, therefore the collaborative initiative shows Nigeria’s commitment to documenting and preserving the invaluable Nok terracotta artifacts that date back to 500 BCE in Kaduna State.

“This project underscores the collaborative efforts between the United States and Nigeria in preserving the cultural heritage of the ancient Nok arts. It is a powerful reminder that cultural preservation transcends borders and unites us in our shared mission to protect and celebrate human history. The current grant supporting a multi-phase project is an initiative that is vital in ensuring that our cultural heritage is meticulously documented, preserved, and passed down to future generations, with the various critical aspects of cultural preservation which include: online digital documentation, museum education workshops, and in-person seminars for the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) staff”, she said.

The Minister, further highlighted some crucial components of the project which will help protect Nigeria’s history and cultural treasures from the threats of theft, vandalism, and neglect.

“The implementation of site security measures, Promoting awareness through educational programs and documentaries will help instill a deep appreciation for our cultural heritage among our people and the global community, the refurbishment of exhibition and archive spaces, The digital inventory of Nok arts created through this project will serve as a model to be replicated at other museums across Nigeria. This initiative will enhance our capacity to document and protect cultural artifacts nationwide, ensuring that our rich and diverse heritage is preserved for future generations. These spaces will not only provide a safe haven for the Nok terracotta artifacts but also offer an engaging and educational experience for visitors, fostering a deeper connection to our heritage”, she added.

According to the Chairman, Wheyham Foundation, Mr. Yahaya Maikori, through the partnership, significant steps will be taking toward securing Nigeria’s historical legacy.

“This cultural preservation project is an initiative of the United States Embassy to help Nigeria partner in protecting and preserving its culture.With particular reference to the Wheyham Project, what they’re trying to do is to look at some of the artifacts, to be able to document the artifacts that are in private hands, document the artifacts that the public has access to. We’re also trying to build a digital museum, a museum where people can have virtual experiences. And also other work that includes renovating the Nok Museum and as well as conducting educational outreach on the rich cultural heritage which we are proud owners of”, Maikori said.

The project, with the aim to document, protect, and promote Nigeria’s rich archaeological treasures is to be implemented by the Wheyham Foundation in collaboration with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the Yale University Art Gallery.