The Untold Story of a Legend in the Development of Contemporary Nigerian Ceramics: Yakubu Levy

Abstract

The literary presentation and documentation of the developments in the Nigerian contemporary art history have not sufficiently encapsulated the local and global feats of Levi Yakubu in order to give him the right of place in the ranking of who is who in the professional field of ceramics in Nigeria. This research aims at presenting this celebrity as an institution worth acknowledging and studying. The paper highlights his scientific and technological innovations and his contribution to industrial development in Nigeria as well as his role in modeling young generation of ceramists. It enunciates his personal identity reflected in his works .And then noted some of his local and international outings and the recognition, honour and fame that were accorded his efforts. The paper concludes by noting without mincing words that, the pioneering efforts of Michael Cardew and Ladi Kwali have produced a worthy offspring in the ceramic profession in the person of Levi Yakubu.