Abuja Oyinbo: The Best Of Nigeria At Arts And Crafts Show

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Editor’s note:  contributor Clementine Wallop explores an arts and crafts fair in Abuja, comes away awed, with loads of gift ideas for her family back home and an appreciation for Nigerian cultural artifacts.
One thing I find sad and surprising in Abuja is how hard it is to buy presents for family back home. Textiles and jewellery are often faked and smuggled in from China, and I am not certain my mummy is longing for me to give her a phone battery recharger I bought from a guy in a traffic jam.
So I was happy last week to find an Arts and Crafts Fair in town showing off the skills Nigeria’s artisans have to offer – it’s a lovely way to celebrate the nation’s diversity. I only wish this fair was a monthly happening rather than just a one off; it would be great for travelling business people to come here and go home with beautiful things from Nigeria to boast about.
If you want to go shopping (it’s almost maybe nearly Christmas, after all), the fair is on at the Craft Village behind the Sheraton until September 17th. Walk past the usual established vendors and you’ll see an area of temporary stalls. Here are my top tips for fantastic finds at the fair.
Niger State: Bold as Brass
Simple but beautiful, Niger State’s artefacts showcase the best from the home of brass. Pick up one of the little brass pots to store jewellery or a decorative plate showing the outline of Nigeria. Alternatively there’s a remarkable aluminium kettle I have my eye on. Also for sale are delicate earrings and bangles and thick cloth woven with gold and silver foil.
Akwa Ibom State: Funky Fashions
Looking for your favourite ankara but done a little differently? Akwa Ibom’s stall shows you how to channel traditional textiles into a contemporary look. Think extra-large fabric covered hoop earrings, bright cloth bangles, girls’ headbands and button-embellished vests.
Katsina State: Colourful Calabash Bowls 
If you’re searching for something to brighten up your home, seek out Katsina’s cheerful calabash bowls. Mostly painted white and decorated in primary colours, they’re perfect for a table centrepiece or for housewarming gifts for newlywed friends. Not so useful in my case since they’re about the same size as my suitcase…
Plateau State: Wondrous Woodwork 
Something special for your table or a talking point for friends over evening drinks, Plateau State is representing with its beautifully crafted wooden goods. Plateau’s artisans are showing off their skills with woods including teak, rosewood and mahogany from their forests. I especially liked the thick cutting boards with their elaborate whorls, and the neat little keepsake pots in golden hued wood.  Turn your purchase upside down to see the name of the craftsman and a Plateau proud ‘Made in Jos’.
FCT/Lagos: Patterened Picnic Bags
Check out Le Look’s custom accessories and particularly its snazzy ankara picnic bags, perfect for taking cold drinks and snacks out to Usman Dam on a Sunday evening or on a longer road trip. The perfect way to combine colour, culture and convenience.
Taraba: Basket Bounty 
A wide range of carefully woven and nicely finished baskets and mats awaits at the Taraba State stand, with bright colours to catch the eye.  Magenta, lilac and emerald shades make the most of the exquisite artistry on display.
Bauchi: Rock Stars
You won’t be fooled by the rocks that they’ve got, because Bauchi State has gems galore to offer, including huge hunks of amethyst and green garnet that the stallholder was washing while I was there and drying in the sun: what a gorgeous sight even if you’re not buying. If you do want to pick up something sparkly, there’s a goldsmith at the fair too, making this a one-stop shop for unique bling.
Kaduna: Textilestastic 
After a fair bit of gisting with the Kaduna craft auntie, she told me her favourite traditional Kaduna items were the cloths she’d brought south for the show. She has a whole stack of different traditional textiles; my picks would be the lilac wax and a Kaduna aso ebi showing Nok sculptures and ginger plants, a major product of the state.

Clementine Wallop is a British writer and researcher. She has been happily living in Abuja since 2014.

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