Nok

Nok is a village in Kaduna State that gave its name to the Nok culture, one of the earliest known civilisations in sub-Saharan Africa, flourishing between 1500 BC and AD 500. The Nok terracotta sculptures — intricate human and animal figures — are among the most important archaeological discoveries in African art history. The village itself is modest, but the surrounding area yields terracotta fragments in farmlands. The Nok Museum (in nearby Kafanchan) displays original artefacts.

By Plane

Kaduna International Airport (KAD) is about 100 km north.

By Train

The nearest railway station is in Kafanchan (35 km south-east).

By Car / Road

Nok is accessible via a side road from the Kaduna–Kafanchan road, about 1.5 hours south-east of Kaduna. The road can be rough.

Walking and okada.

• Nok archaeological sites — the dispersed sites where terracottas are found

• Nok Museum (in Kafanchan) — the main collection of Nok terracottas

• Nok Village — the modern settlement above the ancient culture

• Tour the archaeological site — see where the famous terracottas were found

• Visit the Nok Museum in Kafanchan — see original artefacts

• Walk the farmlands — terracotta fragments can sometimes be seen

Limited food options; eat in Kafanchan.

Bring your own.

Accommodation is best found in Kafanchan.

Nok village has a small daily market selling basic provisions, maize, and millet from surrounding farms. For serious shopping, including Nok culture souvenirs, visit the market in Kafanchan (35 km south-east).

• Kafanchan — 35 km south-east
• Kagoro — 45 km east
• Kachia — 40 km north-west