Artistic Textile Representations and the Caressive Force of Iron in Contemporary Nigerian Art
Magaret Olugbemisola Areo

Abstract
Though the actual date of the discovery of the technique of using iron ore to produce functional items is unknown, iron was probably one of the earliest metals produced in Africa with the evidence of iron smelting in Nok, Nigeria dating to fifth century B.C. Elegant and fine works of art have since been wrought through the hands of blacksmiths from Kuba, Dogon and Bamana. Scholarly works on iron smelting and its product in Nigeria is limited to its usage as farm implements, weapons and religious objects. However, with new techniques and technology, great contemporary artworks are bringing to the fore the creativity, versatility, and functionality of this strong metal. This paper thus examines the representation of textiles on contemporary artistic forms executed in this medium.

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