Exploring Cultural Fusion in Nigerian Painting: Igbo Coral Beads and Hausa Calabash

This study produced paintings through hybridization of material culture from two selected African communities. Hybridization in art happens when material cultures from two or more communities combine to create new forms. Current contemporary African art has been reported to have European styles infused. This infusion has been criticized by scholars to lack portrayal of African identity. Scholars have also argued that authentic African paintings could be achieved when two or more African material cultures are hybridized. This study aimed at identifying. This study aimed at identifying Igbo coral beads material culture and Hausa calabash decoration material culture used in their selected rites of passage and which could be hybridized. After hybridization, new compositions of material culture were created. This new outcome was used in the production of paintings. The paintings incorporated the application element and principle of art and design, such as colour, shapes, rhythm, variety, emphasis, texture, line and geometric patterns inspired by the collected forms. The resultant paintings confirmed that hybridized designs of Igbo Coral beads and Fulani calabash decoration could be successfully used as a source of inspiration in the production of paintings. The results of this study should also enable African artists to develop their original paintings inspired by material culture from different African communities. This hybridized process will also promote cultural harmony between selected African communities