Cultural Exchange with Nigeria
Here are some examples of cultural Exchanges with Nigeria
The University of Frankfurt/Main enters unknown scientific territory by researching the Nok-culture
Within the framework of a long-term project of the German Research Foundation (DFG), archaelogists of the Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-University of Frankfurt are researching the Nok-Culture since 2009.
Over a period of 12 years, they want to get new historical findings about an unexplored ancient civilization, which settled about 2500 years ago in an area in central Nigeria. This area has a size of East Germany. The Nok-Culture became famous when terra cottas, which were often found in the past after illegal diggings, were sold on the international art market at high prices.
So far, there are a lot of questions about their economy, social organisation and habitats. They also want to find out why the Nok-Culture apparently disappeared around 200 AD. The discovery of iron-smelting places as well as remains of metal allows to conclude metallurgical innovations and this leads to the question whether the Nok-culture developed the iron technoloy in sub-Saharan Africa.
During the last two months, a team of 12 German scientists coming from different fields started up a new-built research station close to the diggings. In cooperation with the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments and together with local helpers they discovered a lot of ceramic and terracotta pieces as well as metall pieces during this period. Against the a.m. background everything has to be examined now before they start for more excavations next year.
For more, click here:
New Studies on the NOK Culture [pdf, 974.88k]
They are important institutions for research on Germany and Europe and drivers of innovation in academic training: the 15 Centers for German and European Studies in eleven countries focus on contemporary issues that transcend the boundaries of individual disciplines. The aim is to educate a young generation of experts on Germany and Europe that will work to achieve international understanding and cooperation. They link the academic, political and public spheres in the country where they are based through their focus on Germany and Europe. Within the framework of its research and academic relations policy the Federal Foreign Office promotes the Centers through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Centers for German and European Studies
Goethe-Institut Nigeria in Lagos and Kano
Visit the website of the Goethe-Institut Nigeria in Lagos and Kano for more information on its programme, language courses and activities!
Goethe-Institut Nigeria
The Federal Foreign Office’s Cultural Preservation Programme
Since 1981, Germany has been supporting the preservation of cultural heritage across the globe as part of the Federal Foreign Office’s Cultural Preservation Programme. Find out more about past projects and project criteria:
