Treasures of Ancient Nigeria

Good: 1.The book is done in association with Ekpo Kyo, who is a Nigerian. Too many books on Nigeria are told by people who lack true familiarity with the cultures of this modern state. This is a major plus! 2.It is inclusive of Nok, Igbo, Ife, and Benin. 3. Is a good introduction to terracota, stone, and metal sculpture from southern Nigeria. Bad: 1. It only focuses of the terracota, metal, and some stone sculptures of these cultures. It shows little atttention to the fantastic wood and beadwork art of southern Nigeria. 2. It does not include northern or central Nigerian cultures, such as the Hausa. 3. It does not look at the architectural achievements or ancient cityscapes of these largely urban cultures. 4. It has the poorest collection of Nok art, which is arguable the mother of all Nigerian art and dates to at least the 6th Century BCE.