Ekpo Eyo
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Ekpo Okpo Eyo (8 July 1931 – 28 May 2011) was a Nigerian scholar mostly known for his work on archeology of Nigeria. He worked at the interface of archeology, anthropology, and art history, and he was actively involved in the federal and national agencies of antiquities and museums in Nigeria.[1] He has been described as 'a doyen and an institution in Nigerian culture'[2] and a 'giant pillar [...] of Nigeria’s museums'.[3]
Biography
Originating from Cross River State and after relocation to Lagos, Ekpo Eyo encountered Surveyor of Antiquities in Nigeria, Kenneth Murray, who encouraged him to pursue studies abroad: Ekpo Eyo studied archeology and archeology at Cambridge University (BA) and archeology at Universit of London (MA). After return to Nigeria, he obtained a PhD at University of Ibadan. From 1968 to 1979 Ekpo Eyo was director of the Federal Department of Antiquities, and subsequently, until 1986, director general of the newly created National Commission for Museums and Monuments. In these positions, he oversaw the evolution of archeological activity in Nigeria, which lead to complete reevaluation of prehistoric cultures such as Nok, Owo, or Ife. He then moved to the University of Maryland, College Park, where he was professor of African arts and archeology.[1][2]
In the 1980s, Ekpo Eyo organized an international exhibition on 'Treasures of Ancient Nigeria', showcasing for the first time numerous highlight artifacts of Nigerian archeology to an American and European audience, which was shown in New York (Metropolitan Museum of Art) and London (Royal Academy of Arts).[4]
Honors
- 1980 Fellow of International Council of Museums (ICOM) [2]
- 1980 Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), order of merit of Federal Republic of Nigeria [2]
- 2004 ACASA Leadership Award of the Arts Council of the African Studies Association [2][5]
References
- ^ a b Folorunso, Caleb Adebayo (2011). "Obituary Ekpo Okpo Eyo (1931 – 2011)". Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa. 46: 363. doi:10.1080/0067270X.2011.609765.
- ^ a b c d e "Obituary of Professor Ekpo Eyo". AfricaResource. Retrieved 2019-08-07.
- ^ Orijemie, E.A. (2014). "Eyo, Ekpo Okpo". In Smith, C. (ed.). Encyclopedia of Global Archaeology. Springer, New York, NY. doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-0465-2_2350.
- ^ "Nigeria's legendary museologist, Ekpo Eyo, is dead". Maurice Archibong. Retrieved 2019-08-07.
- ^ "Past Recipients". Arts Council of the African Studies Association. Retrieved 2019-08-07.
Category:20th-century Nigerian people Category:Historians of African art Category:University of Maryland, College Park faculty