In traditional Nigerian art, wall paintings are commonly found in palaces and shrines. These paintings served both decorative and symbolic purposes, adorning the walls of royal residences, religious shrines, and other culturally significant buildings.
Among the Igbo of southeastern Nigeria, elaborate wall paintings known as Uli decorated the exterior and interior walls of important buildings, particularly those associated with titled men and women, as well as shrines dedicated to deities. Among the Hausa in northern Nigeria, palace walls were often decorated with geometric and figurative designs. The Benin royal palace also featured wall decorations celebrating military victories and royal authority.
These wall paintings were not merely ornamental; they communicated social status, religious beliefs, historical narratives, and cultural identity. The spaces they adorned - palaces and shrines - were the centres of political power and spiritual life in traditional Nigerian communities.
Hospitals, warehouses, and banks are modern institutional buildings that have no connection to traditional Nigerian wall painting practices.