By Oriiz U Onuwaje Oriiz examines the symbolism and aesthetics of pottery in Nigeria, exploring how artisans transform earth into objects rich with meaning. This essay delves into traditional techniques, cultural motifs, and artistic expressions that define Nigerian pottery, revealing how these crafted vessels embody the values, beliefs, and creativity of their makers. In Nigeria, […]

By Oriiz U Onuwaje Oriiz explains how pre-colonial Nigerian societies established a monetary system using cowrie shells, manillas, iron bars, and cloth. This monetary system was a comprehensive economic framework based on trust and innovation, supporting trade and integrating markets into social and political life long before colonisation. Foundation of Daily Trade: Cowrie Shells Cowrie […]

By Oriiz U Onuwaje Oriiz examines the emergence of this technological standard, tracing its roots to intricate, highly coordinated practices that developed across West Africa over a millennium. The story of lost-wax casting is not just about technical innovation but also about enduring human ingenuity and resilience. Imagine a workshop at dusk: the glow of […]

Oriiz explores the often overlooked achievements of pre-colonial African societies, highlighting the monumental legacy of the Walls of Benin and other engineering marvels. For centuries, the dominant narrative of human civilisation has been disproportionately shaped by a selective historical perspective. This view has often marginalised and overlooked the remarkable achievements of pre-colonial African societies. The […]

By Oriiz U Onuwaje Oriiz explores the link between the 9th-century bronze craftsmanship of Igbo Ukwu and the precise engineering of modern Swiss watchmaking. He believes that, despite being more than a thousand years apart, both traditions are rooted in a shared dedication to blending art with technical skill. Both the ancient Nigerian metalsmith and […]

By Oriiz U Onuwaje Oriiz examines how the logic behind Aso Oke, Akwete, and Kente weaving shapes computation, creativity, and culture, and how it influences today’s fashion. By studying these textile arts, this essay shows how they connect ancient craft with modern technology. The Technology of Touch Today, technology is often seen as cold, defined […]

By Oriiz U Onuwaje Oriiz views design as more than decoration. He sees it as a tool that shapes and stabilises power, identity, and continuity. Throughout history, people have used objects for more than beauty. They use form to pass on memory, organise authority, and make hidden systems visible. What we now call design innovation […]

African societies built memory so deliberately that no one could erase it. By Oriiz U Onuwaje Oriiz shows us how African societies deliberately built memory right into their surroundings. They used design thinking as a way to survive, weaving authority, lineage and continuity into bronze, ivory and wood. What we now admire as art started […]

By Oriiz U Onuwaje Oriiz presents Rhythm as a means of keeping traditions alive, showing how people remember and share what they cannot easily put into writing. Across Africa, rhythm acts as an archive, a form of governance, and a social bond, carrying memory in a way everyone can access, repeat, and protect. Rhythm is […]

By Oriiz U Onuwaje Oriiz presents a simple truth for today: rhythm is evidence. Rhythm preserves a people’s story, reveals intelligence, and brings order. The beat is more than music for dancing; it captures life itself. Dance does more than entertain; it bears witness. Before museums and libraries, Africans kept their heritage alive by repeating […]