Exploration of Izon Traditional Colours in Contemporary Nigerian Art Practice

Abstract

The Ezon, Izon, Ijo or Ijaw as an ethnic group live mainly in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has a very rich cultural heritage. The Izon colours are a means of mystical messages and religious beliefs, but this art and traditions has almost died out due to the influence of foreign religion and are not understood by contemporary Nigerian artist. The Izons only have recognition for three major colours which are black, white and red. All other colours fall under the shade of these major colours. These colours are applied in their raw state on traditional art works, masquerade and tattoos on warriors. Little has been known or studied on the rich traditional colours of the Izon. The Izon environment has all the colours but all colours fall under these major colours shade. Application of this ancient colour on contemporary Nigerian painting could achieve better harmony. Practical studio research on the traditional colours will be helpful to contemporary paintings. This will help the traditional Izon colour to be recognized and classification of colours in the Izon scheme to be better understood and other ways of achieving harmony will be recorded. A good understanding of cultural classification of colour will help the artist to apply the right colours for different cultures and good understanding of the people involved.