Documentation of Wall Painting Traditions in Koma Hill Communities, Adamawa State

The Koma Hill communities of southern Adamawa State maintain distinctive wall painting traditions that represent one of the least documented art practices in Nigeria, with geometric and figural painting systems directly applied to residential architecture. This study documented the wall painting traditions of Koma Hill communities in Jada Local Government Area, Adamawa State, North East Nigeria, through fieldwork conducted over three weeks in three Koma settlements. A qualitative ethnographic design was employed, combining photographic and sketch documentation of 48 painted structures, interviews with 12 women artists responsible for painting, and discussions with 6 community elders regarding the cultural meanings and painting occasions. Analysis applied design documentation frameworks adapted from similar studies of African domestic wall painting traditions. Results identified a geometric pattern system applied primarily during seasonal preparation for community celebrations and harvest ceremonies, with specific motifs indicating household status and spiritual protection intent. Pigments were derived entirely from local mineral and plant sources, with red ochre, white clay, and black carbon serving as the primary palette. Only older women retained comprehensive knowledge of the full pattern vocabulary, with younger women familiar with only basic designs. Threat from rural-urban migration and permanent structure materials replacing traditional mud walls was identified as the primary conservation challenge. The study constitutes the first systematic academic documentation of Koma wall painting and recommends urgent state government and UNESCO engagement for heritage protection.

Keywords: Koma wall painting, Adamawa State, African domestic art, heritage documentation, North East Nigeria