Culture Unmasked

Bukola Adeyemi
Oct 15, 2018
3 min read

In this part of the world, the term modern or contemporary is synonymous to a new or fresh concept that is trending in society. These trends are popular western standards or a way of life that have gradually being adopted as the norm, new cool or at least socially acceptable lifestyle.

Culture on the other hand is perceived as the antithesis of modern or contemporary living. As if we can’t have a cultural concept or idea with progressive tendencies without the material attachment. In recent times, many people have attempted to upgrade or modernize certain aspects of our culture in music, fashion, food and design – in a sort of Ankara is back, Afrobeat is the new sound sort of way – let’s slap it on any and everything to make so we can be cool. What happens when Ankara is no longer in style, or if Afro beat – like reggae loses its appeal in the next decade? Does that mean our culture would die with the changing tastes and times? Take Ankara- Wax print for instance - Ankara in itself was a cooler upgrade of our local Adire- tie and dye which became popular enough to be adopted as the standard “traditional” attire or uniform as it were. In a bid to modernize aspects of our culture, we have conceded to the idea that our culture expression is limited to materials, forms and objects. In some way our identity has been reduced to a style ( African Style) , texture or textile fabric created by a purely capitalist industry to be passively consumed by the masses.

On the contrary, culture is a way of life, the manner in which we do things different from others; it is what makes us unique. Not the Patterns, Prints, or Colours on our clothes and furniture; these are the material bi-products and not really the essence of our identity. We need to understand that just as essential as forms, and objects, there is an aspect of our culture that can be passed on from one region to another or from one generation to the next. This aspect of culture is not something one can typically gain in a formal school curriculum or study in the fine arts. Instead, these traditions are passed along informally from one individual to another either through verbal instruction or demonstration.

Let’s embrace the intangible aspects of culture such as customs, manners, folklore - the “African-ness” without which our forms of expressions are one-dimensional and meaningless. For instance manners and customs are an important part of many facets of our culture. People grow up picking up the subtleties of this unique culture as they go through life, respecting the invisible and varied societal rules. On the other hand, Folklore is the expressive body of culture shared by a particular group of people; it encompasses the traditions common to that culture, subculture or group. These include oral traditions such as tales, music, proverbs and jokes. They include material culture, ranging from traditional building styles and fashion to handmade objects. Folklore also includes customary tradition, the forms and rituals of celebrations such as weddings, folk dances and initiation rites. Each one of these, either separately or in combination, is considered an artefact.

A mask is just a sculptural carving if you don’t understand the intangible context for which it was made. Just as a fabric is a piece of printed textile if you put it out of the context of the ceremony/ occasion for which you wear it ; be it a wedding or burial ceremony- there is an underlying principle it stands for whether for a family , or regional identity.

For instance, the concept of Aso ebi as not just a dress code but a symbol of identity in the TIV tribe is similar to how Tartan is a symbol of Scottish National identity. In Scotland, Tartan is used as a form of identification of a Clan or Family and is one of the most important symbols of Scotland and Scottish Heritage. However, it has also created a great deal of controversy and speculation into its origins, name, history and usage as a form of identification. This concept probably originated from Africa, as is the origin of most fundamentally western concepts.

Finally, inspired by this intangible narrative, I have styled a set title – Culture Unmasked as an ode to the subtleties of our unique culture. Enjoy!