Queens Of Africa Exhibition: Nigeria’s Royal Heritage Celebrated At Louvre Abu Dhabi

 

Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy takes center stage at the Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power exhibition at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, UAE from January 28 to January 30, 2025.

This exhibition, a key part of the African Museums Today and Tomorrow event, will showcase an extraordinary collection of approximately 300 objects, exploring the profound heritage of African royalty, with a special focus on Nigeria’s iconic kingdoms. Through this event, Louvre Abu Dhabi continues its commitment to celebrating African culture and heritage, offering a unique global platform for this powerful dialogue.

The Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., representing Nigeria at this prestigious event, highlights the nation’s significant contributions to the global cultural narrative. The exhibition not only celebrates the remarkable artistic achievements of Nigeria’s kingdoms but also elevates the country’s position in the global conversation about African heritage and cultural preservation.

A Rich Tapestry of African Royalty

This exhibition presents a breathtaking array of artifacts, many of which have been loaned through the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and are part of Nigeria’s national collection. These treasures span centuries of royal legacy, from the ancient Yoruba Kingdoms to the Kingdom of Benin, and the Hausa Kingdoms, showcasing the powerful symbolism, spirituality, and artistry that defined these cultures.

The Yoruba, Benin, and Hausa kingdoms are uniquely represented, offering a comprehensive exploration of their diverse royal traditions. This dynamic exhibition also integrates pieces from global museums and private collections, reflecting the global scope of African royalty and its influential impact on world culture.

The Historical Yoruba Kingdoms: Ife, Owo, and Ijebu

Artifacts from the Yoruba Kingdoms, including Ife, Owo, and Ijebu, are among the exhibition’s key highlights. These objects illustrate the grandeur of ancient Yoruba kingdoms, including remarkable terracotta portraits of royal figures and depictions of Queen Oluwo, which demonstrate the exceptional craftsmanship of Yoruba artists in the 12th-15th centuries.

Ife, widely regarded as the birthplace of the world in Yoruba cosmology, holds a central place in this exhibition, offering insight into the royal rituals and political systems that shaped the Yoruba people’s worldview and societal structure.

The Benin Kingdom: An Artistic Legacy

The exhibition also prominently features objects from the Benin Kingdom, showcasing the sophisticated craftsmanship that defined Benin art. The Edo dynasty’s creation of intricate copper alloy and ivory works serves as a testament to the kingdom’s artistic and cultural sophistication. These pieces, representing the royal power of the Benin kings, reflect a rich history that blends artistry and governance, illustrating the kingdom’s profound influence on global art traditions.

Notably, the exhibition acknowledges the historical looting of Benin artifacts during the British punitive expedition of 1897, with several pieces now housed in international collections. This exhibition honors the legacy of the Benin Kingdom, reaffirming its significant role in shaping both African and global history.

The Hausa Kingdoms: Diverse and Distinct

The Hausa Kingdoms are equally well-represented in this exhibition, emphasizing the wide-reaching cultural and political influence of this region. Artifacts from the Hausa Kingdoms highlight the complex societal structures, artistic achievements, and royal traditions that have contributed immensely to the broader African heritage narrative.

Cultural Diplomacy and Global Collaboration

Nigeria’s participation in this landmark exhibition reflects the country’s unwavering commitment to cultural diplomacy, international collaboration, and the preservation of its historical heritage. The loan of these exceptional objects from Nigeria’s NCMM reinforces the country’s dedication to sharing its cultural treasures with the global community, further promoting the understanding and appreciation of African heritage worldwide.

This cultural collaboration aligns with the agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which emphasizes the importance of tourism, creative industries, and cultural exchange as drivers of sustainable development and global influence.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

Beyond showcasing Nigeria’s cultural assets, the Kings and Queens of Africa exhibition strengthens Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates and fosters continued cooperation in the realms of art, culture, and tourism. This collaboration enhances Nigeria’s cultural prominence on the world stage, fostering deeper connections between Africa and global audiences.

Through this exhibition, Nigeria reaffirms its position as a global leader in cultural preservation and dialogue, offering a rich narrative of African heritage that extends beyond borders and generations.

Louvre Abu Dhabi and “African Museums Today and Tomorrow”

Louvre Abu Dhabi is proud to host African Museums Today and Tomorrow, an event dedicated to examining the challenges and opportunities facing African museums today. This initiative reflects the museum’s ongoing efforts to foster creative exchange and promote African heritage through exhibitions like Kings and Queens of Africa. By bringing together museum leaders, cultural practitioners, and artists, this event explores how African museums are rethinking narratives, fostering creativity, and engaging with both local and global audiences.

Louvre Abu Dhabi continues to serve as a key platform for global dialogue, connecting cultures and histories through art, and remains committed to celebrating the richness of African artistic and cultural legacies.