Ablade Glover (Ghanaian, born 1934)Fishing festival
signed and dated 'Glo / 92' (lower left)
oil on canvas
76 x 76cm (29 15/16 x 29 15/16in).注脚Provenance
A private collection, Nigeria.

This painting most likely depicts the Argungu fishing festival, the culmination of a four-day event held in Kebbi, North-West Nigeria. The inaugural festival in 1934 marked the ceasefire between the former Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom, after centuries of violence.

During the festival, thousands of fishermen equipped with nets and gourds line the river banks. The start of the competition is signaled by a gunshot. The participants have one hour to catch the largest fish. The fishermen's activities are accompanied by the rhythmic drumming of musicians stationed in canoes along the river. A night market also operates throughout the event, and includes a camel race and various water sports.