i

Nwamarah Uche

ii

Nwamarah Uche

Digitally Signed by: Content manager’s

DN : CN = Weabmaster’s name

O= University of Nigeria, Nsukka

OU = Innovation Centre

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Department of Environmental Studies

PALACE OF THE ATTAH IGALAA Study of Architectural Identity and Symbolism

: Content manager’s Name

Weabmaster’s name

a, Nsukka

Environmental Sciences

Studies

PALACE OF THE ATTAH IGALA: A Study of Architectural Identity and Symbolism

iii

TITLE PAGE

PALACE OF THE ATTAH IGALA

A Study of Architectural Identity and Symbolism

CERTIFICATION

iv

This thesis report: Palace of the AttahIgala (A Study of Architectural Symbolismand

Identity) is an original research work carried out by Emusa Henry, a postgraduate

student of the Department of Architecture, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus

with Reg. No: PG/MSC/09/53713. It is submitted as part of the requirements for the

award of the Degree of Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Architecture.

Certified and Signed by:

---------------------------------------------

EMUSA HENRY Date------------------------------

PG/MSC/09/53713

(AUTHOR)

---------------------------------------------

ARC. C.O. ODUM Date------------------------------

Project Supervisor

---------------------------------------------

ARC. F.C. OSEFOH Date------------------------------

Head of Department

v

DEDICATION

This work is dedicated to the HOLY TRINITY.

vi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I reverence God Almighty for his boundless love.

My unalloyed gratitude goes to my beloved Father Deacon Joel Emusa and loving

Mother Deaconess PaulynEmusaand my entire family; for their love, continuous

support and encouragement during the period of my studies.

I am also particularly grateful to my supervisor Arc.C.O Odum for his relentless

guidance through seeing to the implementation of this work consequently bringing out

the best in me.

A special thanks to all the lecturers and staff of the department of Architecture,

University of Nigeriaespecially the head of the Department Arc. F. C. Osefoh.

I say a big thank you to all who aided me with the logistics of this thesis:

ObiefunaAmala,OnyeulorIjeoma Vivian,Emmanuel Edime, Ugwah Anthony, Odoh

Peter, Anama Andrew,Utsu Martins-Joshua Leewho, Adejo Noel Usman,

IkyeghTerkula and all the authors whose works aided in this research.

I also appreciate mylovely friend Uchegbu Elizabethwho stood firm by me through thin

and thick of my studies.

Finally, I thank all my course mates and friends for their continuous and valuable

support especially Michael Ikpekhia and OnyekweluNkechi who both passed on during

this period. I miss you both.May your gentle souls rest in peace.

There is so much to say thank you for, but when words can’t express, the heart really

understands, to you reading this, thank you!

vii

ABSTRACT

Humans have an intuitive inclination to symbolize. Symbolism and Identity is viewed

in thispaper as the ‘art of depicting’ and ‘what to be depicted’ respectively. The

research digs deepto buried meanings of symbols while paying attention to cultural

identity and bringing focusto the heritage of Igala people. A study of symbolic

buildings from different countries inthe world is however carried out so as to bring to

light an architectural application of identity.The deep rooted cultural heritage of the

Igala people of Kogi State of Nigeria is unravelled and aligned with various

architectural theories such as; Afrocentric Architecture and Sacred Geometry in a poise

to create an architectural symbol that represents the people.

viii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page - - - - - - - - - i

Certification - - - - - - - - - ii

Dedication - - - - - - - - - iii

Acknowledgement - - - - - - - - iv

Abstract - - - - - - - - - - v

Tableof Contents - - - - - - - - vi

List of Figures - - - - - - - - - x

List of Plates - - - - - - - - - xiv

List of Tables - - - - - - - - - xv

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction - - - - - - - - 1

1.1Background of Study - - - - - - - 3

1.2Statement of Architectural Problem - - - - - 6

1.3Aim of Study - - - - - - - - 7

1.4Objectives of the Study - - - - - - - 7

1.5 Significance of the Project - - - - - - - 7

1.6Scope of the Project - - - - - - - - 7

1.7 Motivation of the Study - - - - - - -8

1.8Research Limitations - - - - - - -8

1.9Research Methodology - - - - - - -8

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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Literature Review - - - - - - - -10

2.1Symbolism in History - - - - - - -10

2.1.1 Types of Symbolism - - - - - - -12

2.1.2 Symbolism in Architecture - - - - - -21

2.2Historical Background of Identity - - - - -23

2.2.1 Aspects of Identity - - - - - - -24

2.2.2 Web of Identity - - - - - - - -25

2.2.3 Identity and Culture - - - - - - -27

2.2.4 Elements of Culture - - - - - - -28

2.2.5 Identity in Architecture - - - - - - - 30

2.3Evolution of Symbolism in Architecture - - - - -31

2.4Historical Background of the Igala People - - - -33

2.4.1 Origin of the Igala People - - - - - -36

2.4.2 A Brief History of the Igala Kingdom - - - - -37

2.4.3 The Different Traditions that Link the Igala Kingship to the Yoruba, Nupe,

Benin and Jukun - - - - - - - -38

2.4.4 The Igala Culture - - - - - - - -63

2.4.5 The Igala Masquerade - - - - - - -64

2.4.6 The IgalaIndigenous Architecture - - - - -67

2.5 Theoretical Framework - - - - - - -69

2.5.1 Architecture as a symbol of Identity - - - - -69

2.5.2 Semiology - - - - - - - - -71

2.5.3 Afrocentric Architecture - - - - - - -73

2.5.4 Sacred Geometry - - - - - - - -79

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2.5.5 Iconography - - - - - - - - 86

CHAPTER 3: CASE STUDIES

3.0 Case Studies - - - - - - - - 90

3.1 Case 1: A Study of the Identity of France: The Eiffel Tower - - 90

3.2 Case 2: A Study of Symbolism in the Sydney Opera House, Australia - 98

3.3 Case 3: A Study of Symbolism in the Guggenheim Museum, New York - 117

3.4 Case 4: A Study of Symbolism and Identity in Lagos State House, Abuja- 127

3.5 Case 5: A Study of the Symbolism and Identity in the Palace of the

AttahIgala, IdahKogi State - - - - - 131

CHAPTER 4: GENERAL PLANNING PRINCIPLES AND DESIGN

GUIDELINES

4.0 General Planning Principlesand Design Guidelines - - -135

4.1 Planning Principles for Palace Design - - - - -135

4.1.1 Administrative Complex - - - - - - -135

4.1.2 Accommodation Facilities - - - - - - 136

4.1.3 Ancillary Facilities - - - - - - - 138

4.2 Considerations in Site Planning - - - - - -138

4.2.1 Land Use Considerations - - - - - - - 138

4.2.2 Site Design- - - - - - - - - 138

4.2.3 Parking - - - - - - - - - 140

4.2.4 Circulation - - - - - - - - 141

4.3 General Planning Principles for Administrative/Office Buildings

in a Palace - - - - - - - - - 144

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4.3.1 Energy Efficiency - - - - - - - -149

4.3.2 Building Attributes - - - - - - -150

4.3.3 Technical Connectivity - - - - - - -150

4.3.4 Lighting - - - - - - - - -150

4.3.5 Functional/Operational - - - - - - -151

4.3.6 Flexibility - - - - - - - - -151

4.3.7 Urban Planning - - - - - - - -152

4.3.8 Productivity - - - - - - - -153

4.4 Office Space Allocation - - - - - - -154

4.5 Office Design Guidelines - - - - - - -155

4.6 Design Considerations for Special Residential Buildings - - -156

4.6.1 Sustainability - - - - - - - -156

4.6.2 Individual Flats - - - - - - - -157

CHAPTER 5: SITE LOCATION AND ANALYSIS

5.0 Site Location and Analysis - - - - - -160

5.1 Location Analysis and Physical Features - - - - -160

5.1.1 Location of Idah Local Government Area - - - -161

5.1.2 Physical Considerations - - - - - - -164

5.1.3 Climatic Considerations - - - - - -166

5.2 The Project Site - - - - - - - -171

5.3 Site Analysis - - - - - -172

5.3.1 Land Use Analysis of the Immediate Surrounding of the Site - -172

5.3.2 Analysis of Traffic Pattern around the Site and Access Routes into Site-173

5.3.3 Analysis of Physical and Environmental Features - - -174

xii

5.3.4 Analysis of Site Drainage and Available Infrastructure - - -175

5.3.5 Analysis of Sources of Pollution - - - - - - 175

CHAPTER 6: THE DESIGN

6.0 The Design - - - - - - - - -176

6.1 Design Philosophy - - - - - - - -176

6.2 Design Concept and Concept Derivation - - - - -177

6.3 Igala Traditional Symbols - - - - - - -178

6.3.1 Inikpi - - - - - - - - - 178

6.3.2 Ekwe - - - - - - - - - 180

6.3.3 Ejub’ejuailo - - - - - - - - 181

6.3.4 The Elephant (Adagba) - - - - - - - 182

6.3.5 The Leopard (Eje) - - - - - - - 183

6.4Evolved Design Concept - - - - - - - 184

6.5Application of Concept in Design - - - - - -189

6.6 Design Synthesis - - - - - - - - 189

6.7 Design Contribution - - - - - - - 190

Recommendations and Conclusion - - - - - -191

References - - - - - - - - - 192

LIST OF FIGURES

Fig 2.1The Christian Cross - - - - - - -13

Fig 2.2 David’s Star - - - - - - - -13

Fig 2.3Mathematical Symbols and their Meanings - - - -14

Fig 2.4The Canadian Flag - - - - - - -15

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Fig 2.5The American National Colours - - - - -16

Fig 2.6The Dragon - - - - - - - -17

Fig 2.7The Eiffel Tower - - - - - - -18

Fig 2.8Circle Symbolism in Pysanky - - - - - -19

Fig 2.9Swastika Symbolism in Pysanky - - - - -19

Fig 2.10Dots Symbolism - - - - - - -20

Fig 2.11Triangle Symbolism - - - - - - -20

Fig 2.12Straight Line Symbolism - - - - - -21

Fig 2.13Web of Identity - - - - - - -26

Fig 2.14An Asian House Form- - - - - - -32

Fig 2.15TheFive Main Lines of Cultural Evolution - - - -32

Fig 2.16Map of Nigeria showing Kogi State - - - - -35

Fig 2.17Map of KogiState showingIgala Territory in Magenta - -35

Fig 2.18 Traditional IgalaHomested - - - - - -68

Fig 2.19TheoreticalDesign -Abstraction of African Game Board (Uganda)

for High Rise Building in Context, by Kent State University

Third Year Architecture Student, December 1992. - - -75

Fig 2.20Ba-lla Settlement - - - - - - -78

Fig 2.21Ba-lla Settlement Pattern with Seed Shape - - - -79

Fig 2.22Flower ofLife - - - - - - - -80

Fig 2.23All Seeing Eye: Isis, Iris, Pupil, Rods and Cones, Masonic Symbolism

Fig 2.24Gordian Knot - - - - - - - -81

Fig 2.25Metatron's Cube - - - - - - -82

Fig 2.26Alchemy of Consciousness in Time - - - - -82

Fig 2.27DogonNommo - - - - - - -83

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Fig 2.28Sea Shell - - - - - - - -83

Fig 2.29Golden Spiral - - - - - - - -85

Fig 2.30Layout of Pyramids at Giza Plateau - - - - - 85

Fig 3.1Dimensions of Parking - - - - - - - 96

Fig 3.2Different Circulation Patterns as used in Different Facilities - - 98

Fig 3.3Meeting Room - 4 to 5 people, 11.15 m2 (120 ft2) - - -101

Fig 3.4Meeting Room - 6 to 7 people, 13.9 m2 (150 ft2) - - -102

Fig 3.5Workstation Space Type D - Open, 9.3 m2 (100 ft2) - - -102

Fig 3.6Work Station Type - - - - - - -103

Fig 4.1Isometric View of the Eiffel Tower Drawings - - - -119

Fig 4.2The Plan of the Eiffel Tower, Paris - - - - -119

Fig 4.3Elevation of the Eiffel Tower, Paris - - - - -120

Fig 4.4Details of the Eiffel Tower, Paris - - - - -120

Fig 4.5A view of The Tower from The Seine - - - - -121

Fig 4.6A view of The Tower from The Seine - - - - -121

Fig 4.7Topographical Map of Sydney Harbour showing the site in red -128

Fig 4.8Site Plan - - - - - - - -135

Fig 4.9Ground Floor Plan - - - - - - -135

Fig 4.10 First Floor Plan - - - - - - -136

Fig 4.11 Elevations - - - - - - - -137

Fig 4.12 Elevations - - - - - - - -138

Fig 4.13 Sections - - - - - - - -139

Fig 4.14An early drawing of the Guggenheim Museum, New York - -143

Fig 4.15 Ground Floor Plan of the Guggenheim Museum, New York - -149

Fig 4.16 First Floor Plan of the Guggenheim Museum, New York - -150

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Fig 4.17Elevation of the Guggenheim Museum, New York - - -150

Fig 4.18 Section of the Guggenheim Museum, New York - - -151

Fig 4.19A 3d Model of Lagos State House, Abuja - - - -154

Fig 4.20Lagos State House Abuja, replica of two Eyo Masquerades - -155

Fig 4.21Floor Plan of one of the Office Buildings of the Administrative Unit158

Fig 4.22Floor Plan of the Royal Council Office - - - -159

Fig 4.23Ground Floor Plan of one of the Guest Houses - - -159

Fig 5.1 Map of Nigeria showing the Location of Kogi State - - -161

Fig 5.2 Map of Kogi State showing the Local Government Areas. - -162

Fig 5.3Idah Local Government Area Provisional Map showing the site

in a red box - - - - - - - - 163

Fig 5.4 A Map showing Idah and the Neighbouring Towns - - -164

Fig 5.5 Mean Monthly Maximum and Minimum Temperature - -167

Fig 5.6 Mean Monthly Values of Daily Rainfall (mm) - - - -170

Fig 5.7 A Map showing the Site. - - - - - -172

Fig 5.8 Immediate Surrounding of the Site - - - - -173

Fig 5.9 Traffic Pattern and Access Route Analysis - - - -174

Fig 5.10 Sun Path, Wind Direction - - - - - - - 175

Fig: 6.1TheEjub’ejuailo - - - - - - - 181

Fig: 6.2 A Royal Crown - - - - - - -185

Fig: 6.3 The Igala Mask Ejub’ejuailo (face of fear) - - - - 185

Fig; 6.4The Combination of the Royal Crown and Igala Mask - - 186

Fig: 6.5The Façadeabstraction in the Design of the Palace of AttahIgala - 186

Fig 6.6 The Ground Floor plan abstraction in the Design of the Palace of

AttahIgala - - - - - - - - 187

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Fig 6.7 The Model abstraction in the Design of the Palace of AttahIgala - 188

LIST OF PLATES

Plate 2.1A Typical Igala Masquerade - - - - - - 64

Plate 2.2 Photo of the Traditional IgalaAtakpa - - - - 68

Plate 2.3Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles - - - - 88

Plate 2.4Swiss Re headquarters, London - - - - - 89

Plate 4.1The Eiffel Tower, Paris - - - - - 116

Plate 4.2The Tower in Perspective - - - - - - 118

Plate 4.3A View of The Tower from the Street- - - - 122

Plate 4.4 The Sydney Opera House, Australia - - - - - 123

Plate 4.5Mayan Temple - - - - - - - 125

Plate 4.6The Recently Refurbished Utzon Room, 2004 - - - 131

Plate 4.7The Glass Walls - - - - - - - 134

Plate 4.8 Perspective at Night - - - - - - - 140

Plate 4.9 Perspective at Daytime - - - - - - 140

Plate 4.10 Interior Perspective of one of the Concert Halls - - - 141

Plate 4.11: The Solomon Guggenheim Museum, New York - - - 142

Plate 4.12: An early drawing of the Guggenheim Museum, New York - 143

Plate 4.13The Spiral Ramp - - - - - - - 145

Plate 4.14The Dome showing the six “spokes”- - - - 147

Plate 4.15: Site plan of the Guggenheim Museum, New York - - 149

Plate 4.16 Interior Perspective of Restaurant - - - - - 151

Plate 4.17Lagos State House, Abuja - - - - - - 152

Plate 4.18Eyo Masquerades Display - - - - - - 153

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Plate 4.19Two Eyo Masquerades at a Ceremony - - - - 155

Plate 4.20Photo of the Approach View of Attah’s Palace - - - 156

Plate 4.21 Photo of the Side View of Attah’s Residence - - - 165

Plate 4.22:Photo of the approach view of one of the guest houses - - 157

Plate 4.23:Photo of part of the administrative building - - - 157

Plate 4.24:Photo of the old Attah’s court - - - - - 158

Plate 6.1 Photo of Inikpi - - - - - - - 178

Plate 6.2 Photo of Ekwe - - - - - - - 180

Plate 6.3 Photo of an Elephant - - - - - - 182

Plate 6.4 Logo of Igala Kingdom - - - - - - 182

Plate 6.5 Photo of the Entrance ofAttah’s Palace - - - - 183

Plate 6.6 Photo of a Leopard - - - - - - - 183

Plate 6.7 Photo of the AttahIgala - - - - - - 184

LIST OF TABLES

Table 5.1Mean Monthly Maximum and Minimum Temperature - -167

Table 5.2Monthly Mean Relative Humidity - - - - -168

Table 5.3Mean Monthly Values of the Daily Rainfall - - - -170