Jos Museum | Jos

The Jos Museum, located in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, Nigeria, is one of the oldest and most significant museums in the country. Established in 1952 by British archaeologist Bernard E. B. Fagg, it was originally Nigeria's national museum and has played a pioneering role in the research and preservation of the country's archaeological and ethnographic heritage.

1. Founding and Historical Role

Bernard Fagg’s work in the 1940s and 1950s led to the discovery and study of the Nok culture, one of Africa’s earliest known civilizations. These discoveries prompted the founding of the Jos Museum, which became a hub for archaeological research in West Africa. It was not just a display space—it functioned as:

A research center for Nigerian and international scholars

A conservation workshop

A training ground for museum professionals and archaeologists

In the decades following its opening, the Jos Museum was considered one of the best-equipped and most active museums in sub-Saharan Africa.

2. Collections and Exhibits

a. Nok Terracotta Collection

The museum holds some of the earliest and most iconic pieces of Nok terracotta sculptures, dating from 500 BCE to 200 CE.

These figurines, often depicting human heads or full figures, offer crucial insights into prehistoric Nigerian art, spiritual beliefs, and social organization.

b. Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (MOTNA)

Established in 1990, MOTNA is one of the most unique parts of the Jos Museum complex.

It features life-sized reconstructions of architectural styles from across Nigeria:

Kano city walls

Zaria mosque

Tiv compounds

Borno traditional huts

These outdoor exhibits allow visitors to walk through and experience Nigeria’s architectural heritage firsthand.

c. Pottery Pavilion

A showcase of Nigeria’s ceramic traditions, featuring ancient and contemporary pottery from regions like Bida, Benin, Igbomina, and Gwari.

It includes both utilitarian ware and ceremonial pieces, many with symbolic designs.

d. Ethnographic and Cultural Displays

Traditional tools, musical instruments, textiles, and ritual objects from Nigeria’s over 250 ethnic groups.

Displays on weaving, blacksmithing, hunting, and religious practices.

e. Colonial and Industrial Exhibits

Documents and materials related to British colonial administration in Nigeria.

Historical photographs, mining equipment (particularly from the tin mining era in the Jos Plateau), and artifacts from the railway system.

3. Educational and Research Role

Jos Museum was once a vital center for academic research, especially in archaeology and museology. It included:

Archaeological labs

A library and archive of Nigerian history and ethnography

A space for training curators, conservators, and field archaeologists

Many Nigerian professionals in heritage management received foundational training at this institution.

4. Challenges and Conservation Issues

Despite its rich history, the museum has suffered several setbacks:

Theft and Looting: In 1987, several high-value artifacts, including Benin bronzes and Nok figures, were stolen. Some pieces have been recovered internationally, but many remain missing.

Funding Issues: The museum, like many Nigerian cultural institutions, has faced underfunding, which affects maintenance, staffing, and preservation.

Neglect: Parts of the museum complex, especially MOTNA, have suffered from weather damage, erosion, and poor restoration.

However, there are ongoing efforts from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and international partners to rehabilitate and digitize the museum's assets.

5. Visiting the Museum

Location: 1 Museum Street, Jos North LGA, Plateau State. The museum is close to the Jos Zoo, making it a convenient destination for day visitors.

Opening Hours: Typically open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed on Sundays and national holidays.

Entry Fee: Nominal; it varies by age and group type. Visitors should confirm with the museum directly.

6. Nearby Attractions

While in Jos, visitors can also explore:

Jos Wildlife Park

Shere Hills

Kurra Falls

Jos Main Market

Assop Falls

These sites make Jos a culturally and naturally rich destination in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

Conclusion

The Jos Museum remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s cultural heritage infrastructure. Despite facing decades of decline, it still houses some of the most important archaeological and ethnographic collections in West Africa. With renewed interest in heritage preservation and international collaboration, the museum has the potential to reclaim its place as a leading institution for African history, art, and identity.