The Woven Car Of Nigeria: Art At Its Best

Africa might lack many things that can be easily and freely acquired in the developed world, but when it comes to tourist attraction, talent and art, there is more than enough in this continent. From the musicians singing and gyrating to the afro beats to the many inventions by the African geniuses, there is pretty more to Africa than the sad malnourished faces portrayed by the media. It is good to give credit where it is due, and this time round, it is a standing ovation for Ojo Obaniyi from Nigeria. Obaniyi is an artisan in Ibadan, Nigeria. He is the brain behind the first woven car in the history of the automotive world.

Having been in the basket making industry for about 20 years, Ojo Obaniyi made headlines when he covered his Volkswagen pickup with raffia palm canes. There are many raffia palm cane weavers but his marvelous and incredible idea made him standout. There was a stir on the internet once major news sites posted photos of the woven vehicle and this is how little known Ojo Obaniyi, 40, became an instant hit.

It was Ojo’s original idea to cover his small pickup with raffia palm canes, but it is obvious that he did not expect the popularity that came with the new look on his car. Once he drove around town, the car attracted a lot of attention and that is how he ended up on the internet as the first man to ever own a woven car in this century. His intentions, according to his own words, were to show the world that not only the elite and educated have something to offer; a mere artisan can make something that will turn heads anywhere around the world.

 

Looking at the Volkswagen pickup, you will find all the reasons why this vehicle has become such a headline maker. The African baskets are a wonder to look at, and thus the same design on a vehicle offers more than just an attractive sight. Ojo covered the inside as well as the outside of the vehicle with the raffia palm canes bringing out a natural look that is worth a second look. The cover included the entire body on the outside, the interior, including the steering wheel, seats dashboard only leaving things that needed to be left uncovered.

In a quest to show the world that something good can come from Africa and that it is not only the high life society that can make headlines was a total success. The woven car has made Ojo Obaniyi a celebrity in his own class and helped him a great deal in marketing his products, which are all masterpieces.