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How were Hausa house facades ornamented?
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African architecture
The Great Zimbabwe complex, near Masvingo, south-central Zimbabwe.
Hausa house facades are richly ornamented with a variety of designs that reflect both traditional and modern influences. These decorations often feature calligraphic or representational shapes, as well as emblems of modernity such as cars, bicycles, and weapons.1
Historically, the Hausa people primarily decorated the interiors of their buildings with molded and painted low-relief designs. Over time, these decorative techniques were increasingly applied to the exteriors of their homes. This ornamentation is a hallmark of the architectural style found in Hausa states such as Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zaria.21