Influence of traditional art exhibition of Nwommo on Ibibio society: A case study of exhibition of the rejected

Abstract

Nwommo served as the traditional museum and documentation of traditional paraphernalia of Ibibio society. Presently, Nwommo is regarded as being fetish. In addition, contemporary society seem to see Nwommo as having no relevance to the culture and history of the Ibibio society thus resulting in its rejection. The aim of this paper is to highlight the influence of traditional art exhibition as seen in Nwommo on Ibibio society. This study brings to limelight the cultural relevance of Nwommo as a platform for exhibiting the rich culture of Ibibio society, thereby serving as a reservoir of knowledge to the people. The findings of this study revealed that Nwommo influences most actions and decisions traditionally in Ibibio society as well as being a reservoir of Ibibio traditions which answer the deepest questions of identity of Ibibio society. Though the research is not concerned with the content of fetish and worship of inclinations to Nwommo, but rather considers the art, the aesthetic, craft, culture and economic implications of the practice which seem outdated due to the advent of Christianity. The study therefore recommended that cultural, aesthetic, economic and educational relevance should be placed on Nwomo to prevent its extinction.