What is Nupe art?

The Nupe are an ethnic group native to North Central Nigeria. They are the dominant ethnic group in Niger State and a minority in Kwara State. The Nupe are also present in Kogi State and The Federal Capital Territory.

What is Nupe art?

Their art is therefore figurative and mostly decorative. Nupe houses are decorated with doors and posts carved with geometric designs, although there are some rare examples of animal designs. Circular stools, supported by varying numbers of feet, are presented by grooms to their brides.

This bronze statue was cast as a replica of a famous Nupe figure known as a Tsoede bronze. The statue measures 21 inches tall and weighs 17pounds. The original statue now sits in the National Museum, Lagos. There is some corrosion, oxidation and wear and tear throughout – please inspect photos carefully.

The old Nupe Kingdom was established in the middle of the 15th century in a basin between the Niger and Kaduna rivers in what is now central Nigeria. Early history is mostly based on verbally-transmitted legends. King Jibiri, who reigned around 1770, was the first Nupe king to become Muslim.