Most of the candidates attempted this question and they expressed proper mastery of the subject in (b) (c) and (d). Some of their answers were:
(b) Benin bronze plaques:
- They are relief sculptures cast in bronze by cireperdue technique;
- the Benin modem pillars of the galleries were decorated with the plaques;
- the plaques serve as pictorial record of the king and his court;
- figures of the king are shown larger than his attendants;
- animals are represented;
- the plaques show the king in peace and at war.
(c) Art Gallery:
- A building for the display of art works. It is often built in a conspicuous area of the community, attached to private homes or art institutions;
- painting, sculptures, drawings, traditional fabrics, leather and raffia produce are displayed for sale;
- art galleries give inspiration to young prospective artists.
(d) Ashanti Art:
- Ashanti ethnic group occupies the central Plateau of Ghana;
- the largest Ashanti quantity of art objects are made of metal;
- they have the popular golden stool which is regarded as the symbol of authority;
- they have Akuaba doll made of wood, with disc-like head on slender neck;
- pregnant women carry them believing they would produce beautiful children;
- barren women also carried them as a sign of hope;
- kente and adinkra cloths are produced by the people;
- they carve umbrella tops, stools and ceremonial swords.
Many candidates performed woefully in section (a) of the question. They wrote on Mbari Mbayo of Osogbo instead of Mbari Mud sculpture in Owerri. The expected answers included the following:
- Mbari mud sculpture is found in Owerri, Imo State of Nigeria; - it is an Igbo shrine created for the goddess of creativity;
- the shrine is often a communal work made when there are calamities in the society such as death, epidemics and drought;
- the shrine is built for protection. The objects are full size mud figures. Some are rigidly seated;
- they are grotesque in form;
- the figures are decorated with traditional symbol of Uli (body tattoos).
