Beautiful arts and crafts made from coconut will be on display from April 14 to 23 when the Circle of Nigeria Coconut Artists (CONCA) holds its first exhibition.
The show titled ‘Wealth in Waste’ will hold at the Badagry Heritage Museum, Badagry, Lagos, with eight artists participating.
Speaking about the show, the Coordinator of CONCA and pioneer coconut artist, Nathaniel Hodonu, explained that it was to bring those he had trained together to showcase their talents and highlight the value of coconut shells.
“I felt it was time I brought people I had trained together to showcase our unique works from coconut waste to the world. The exhibition will also show the world that we can create more wealth from coconut shells than any other part of the coconut. So, instead of using the shell for cooking and further causing air pollution or environmental pollution through indiscriminate dumping, we are turning it into arts and crafts. One of our major reasons is to use this show to bring in more people to learn the craft. This will reduce joblessness among our youth and women since they can make money from the waste.”
Hodonu further disclosed that six male and two female artists are participating in the show. It is not limited to Badagry-based artists, though the exhibition is making its debut in the ancient city.
On the durability of coconut-made arts and crafts, Hodonu said, “coconut shells do not decompose for years if buried in the soil; it is stronger than wood. Termites can’t eat any coconut from the leaf, truck, shell and root. “
The Coordinator assured that though self-funded by the artists, people should expect a well-packaged exhibition of international standard. “We are showcasing coconut art not found anywhere. These are unique coconut installations and designs, high standard coconut crafts with thorough attention paid to the finishing. “