Nearly half a century after Nigeria hosted one of the continent's most celebrated cultural events, the artist who carved its most enduring symbol has been found living in poverty. The Festival of African Arts and Culture, known as FESTAC, was held in Lagos in February 1977 and remains one of the most ambitious international events ever staged in the country.
The month-long celebration showcased the richness of African music, arts, literature, drama, dance and religion to the world. At its heart stood the ivory mask of Queen Idia, an image that became the very face of the festival and a lasting symbol of the event.
The mask appeared everywhere during FESTAC 77, from posters and badges to textiles and souvenirs. A local Benin carver, Joseph Alufa Igbinovia, had been entrusted with creating the replica that came to represent the entire festival.
His artistry did not go unrecognised at the time. In 1978, he was honoured by the state as a Member of the Order of the Niger, a national award that reflected the significance of the work he had produced for the celebration.
Nearly half a century later, the Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chris Okaiben, set out on what he described as a treasure hunt to find the hands behind the masterpiece. The search eventually led him to the master carver himself.
Inside a crumbling and unfurnished structure, the commissioner found the artist battling poor health and the indignity of poverty. It was a stark contrast to the prestige of the work that had once helped represent Nigeria to the rest of the world.
According to the account, the master carver was never compensated for his monumental works, including the Queen Idia replica. Years of legal battles are said to have drained his resources, eventually forcing him to abandon the pursuit of justice over the matter.