Childrens Illustrated Encyclopedia

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WEST AFRICA

562

Wodaabe people

The nomadic Wodaabe people graze their herds along the Nigerian-Niger

borderlands. every year they hold a beauty contest in which the men compete

for wives. Under the careful scrutiny of the women, they parade themselves in

makeup that emphasizes their eyes and teeth.

NIGERIAN OIL

Since the 1970s, Nigeria has become

dependent on its vast oil reserves

in the Niger delta. It is the largest

producer in africa, and oil accounts

for over 90 percent of its exports. The

Nigerian government has become

overdependent on oil; the country was

once a major exporter of tropical fruit,

but agriculture has declined. When

world oil prices fell in the 1980s,

Nigeria was forced to rely on financial

assistance from the World bank. There

are also growing concerns about the

pollution problems caused by the oil

industry in the Niger delta. protesters

have attacked Shell, one of the main

companies operating in Nigeria.

doWNToWN lagoS

lagos is Nigeria’s largest city, chief

port, and, until 1991, the country’s

capital. It developed as a major

portuguese slave center until it

fell under british control in 1861.

The city sprawls across the islands

and sandbars of lagos lagoon,

linked by a series of bridges. Most of the

population is concentrated on lagos Island.

The southwest of the island, with its striking

high-rise skyline, is the commercial, financial,

and educational center of the city. lagos is

Nigeria’s transportation hub; it is served by a

major international airport and is also the

country’s main outlet for exports. lagos suffers

from growing slums, traffic congestion, and

overcrowding. pollution is also a major problem.

The main dye used in this

cloth is indigo, a blue

color produced

by pulping the

leaves of the

indigo vine.

The Wodaabe

are nomadic

cattle herders,

who only come

into towns for

trading and festivals.

NIgerIaN TexTIleS

The Yoruba and Hausa are

the main ethnic groups in

Nigeria. The Hausa are found in

the north of the country; the

traditionally city-dwelling Yoruba

in the southwest. both groups

produce patterned textiles, hand-

dyed using natural plant extracts.

baMbUkU Head

In many parts of West africa

traditional beliefs are still very

much alive. ancestors are

worshiped, or called upon to

cure sickness and help people

in difficulties. Spirits are

worshiped at rituals and ceremonies. In

eastern Nigeria the fierce expression on this

bambuku head is used to frighten away evil

spirits. It is left in a small shelter at the

entrance to the village.

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