WAEC Past Questions

WAEC Fine Art 2017
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2017 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which Nigerian ethnic group is renowned for its intricately woven raffia hats used in ceremonial dances?

A. Urhobo
B. Igala
C. Nupe
D. Idoma
Explanation

The Urhobo people of the Niger Delta are known for their intricately woven raffia hats, often adorned with feathers and used in ceremonial dances to honor ancestors and deities, showcasing their craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

The use of foreshortening in a drawing is primarily to achieve

A. symmetry in composition
B. an illusion of depth and perspective
C. a balanced color scheme
D. a sense of rhythm in the design
Explanation

Foreshortening is a technique used to create the illusion of depth and perspective by depicting objects or figures as shorter than they actually are when viewed at an angle, famously employed in Renaissance art like Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel frescoes.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which of the following best describes the primary focus of Byzantine mosaics?

A. Depicting realistic human emotions
B. Celebrating secular themes and daily life
C. Conveying spiritual symbolism with gold backgrounds
D. Emphasizing naturalistic landscapes
Explanation

Byzantine mosaics, spanning from the 4th to 15th centuries, focused on spiritual symbolism and religious narratives, often using shimmering gold backgrounds to evoke the divine light of heaven, as exemplified in the stunning interiors of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

In traditional African art, the use of ivory carvings often signifies

A. spiritual protection
B. high status and wealth
C. agricultural abundance
D. communal unity
Explanation

Ivory carvings in African art, particularly those from the Benin Kingdom, signify high status and wealth due to the material's rarity, durability, and the skill required to carve it, often reserved for royalty and elites.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

The principle of art that refers to the distribution of visual weight in a composition is

A. rhythm
B. balance
C. proportion
D. emphasis
Explanation

Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in a composition, which can be achieved through symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial arrangements to create stability and harmony in the artwork.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which technique involves creating a design by scratching through a top layer of paint to reveal a contrasting color beneath?

A. Impasto
B. Sgraffito
C. Glazing
D. Stippling
Explanation

Sgraffito involves scratching through a top layer of paint, plaster, or slip to reveal a contrasting color beneath, a technique commonly used in ceramics, murals, and Renaissance frescoes for decorative effects.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

In Nigerian art, the Ebira people are known for their

A. woven raffia mats
B. bronze plaques
C. terracotta figures
D. beaded jewelry
Explanation

The Ebira (Igbira) people are renowned for their finely woven raffia mats, which are not only functional household items but also integral to cultural ceremonies, demonstrating exceptional weaving techniques passed down through generations.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

The element of art that refers to a three-dimensional object with height, width, and depth is

A. shape
B. form
C. space
D. texture
Explanation

Form refers to a three-dimensional object with height, width, and depth, distinguishing it from two-dimensional shape, and is essential in sculpture and realistic drawing to convey volume and mass.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which art movement emphasized the use of fragmented forms and multiple perspectives to depict subjects?

A. Cubism
B. Impressionism
C. Surrealism
D. Romanticism
Explanation

Cubism, pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque in the early 20th century, revolutionized art by using fragmented forms and multiple perspectives to represent subjects from various angles simultaneously, as exemplified in Picasso's *Les Demoiselles d’Avignon*.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

In traditional African art, the use of brass in sculpture often symbolizes

A. fertility
B. durability and permanence
C. mourning
D. celebration
Explanation

Brass in African sculpture, such as the renowned Benin bronzes, symbolizes durability and permanence, reflecting the enduring legacy of rulers and ancestors through its corrosion-resistant properties and intricate casting techniques.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

The technique of creating a print by forcing ink through a mesh screen onto a surface is called

A. woodcut
B. silkscreen printing
C. etching
D. lithography
Explanation

Silkscreen printing, also known as screen printing, forces ink through a mesh screen onto a surface using stencils to block areas, a versatile technique popularized in pop art by Andy Warhol for mass-produced imagery.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which of the following best describes the focus of Chinese art during the Tang Dynasty?

A. Emphasis on abstract geometric forms
B. Celebration of Buddhist themes and ceramics
C. Avoidance of figurative representation
D. Focus on realistic portraiture
Explanation

Chinese art during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) celebrated Buddhist themes through grand sculptures and paintings, alongside innovative ceramics like the famous sancai (three-color) glazed pottery, reflecting a golden age of cultural flourishing.

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

In Nigerian art, the Ijaw people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. carved wooden paddles
C. terracotta figures
D. beaded jewelry
Explanation

The Ijaw people of the Niger Delta are known for their elaborately carved wooden paddles, which feature symbolic motifs representing water spirits and ancestral figures, integral to their riverine lifestyle and canoe-based culture.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

The principle of art that refers to the repetition of elements to create a sense of flow is

A. balance
B. rhythm
C. contrast
D. proportion
Explanation

Rhythm in art refers to the repetition of elements such as lines, shapes, or colors to create a sense of organized movement and flow, guiding the viewer's eye dynamically through the composition, much like a musical beat.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which of the following artists is associated with the De Stijl movement?

A. Piet Mondrian
B. Salvador Dalí
C. Claude Monet
D. Vincent van Gogh
Explanation

Piet Mondrian was a foundational figure in the De Stijl movement, an early 20th-century Dutch art group that promoted abstract art with primary colors, straight lines, and rectangular forms, as seen in his iconic *Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow*.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

In traditional Yoruba art, the use of a carved wooden tray in Ifa divination symbolizes

A. fertility
B. spiritual communication
C. royal authority
D. harvest celebration
Explanation

In Yoruba art, the carved wooden tray (Opon Ifa) used in Ifa divination symbolizes spiritual communication, intricately engraved with motifs that serve as a conduit for the diviner to interpret messages from the oracle deity Orunmila.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

The technique of creating a design by applying layers of wax and dye to fabric is called

A. batik
B. tie-dye
C. adire
D. embroidery
Explanation

Batik is a traditional technique of creating designs by applying layers of wax to fabric as a resist, then dyeing to reveal patterns, widely practiced in Indonesia and Nigeria, where it intersects with local adire methods.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which of the following best describes the focus of Romanesque art?

A. Emphasis on realistic human proportions
B. Use of religious themes with rounded arches
C. Avoidance of architectural elements
D. Focus on abstract forms
Explanation

Romanesque art (10th-12th centuries) focused on religious themes in architecture and sculpture, characterized by robust rounded arches, barrel vaults, and narrative reliefs, as evident in pilgrimage churches like Saint-Sernin in Toulouse.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

In Nigerian art, the Jukun people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. wooden statues with elongated forms
C. terracotta figures
D. beaded jewelry
Explanation

The Jukun people of the Kwararafa Kingdom are known for their wooden statues with elongated forms, often depicting ancestral figures with stylized proportions, used in rituals to invoke spiritual protection and continuity.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

The element of art that refers to the brightness or dullness of a color is

A. hue
B. value
C. intensity
D. texture
Explanation

Intensity, also known as chroma or saturation, refers to the brightness or dullness of a color, affecting its purity and emotional impact—high intensity for vibrancy, low for subtlety in artworks.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which Nigerian artist is known for his wood carvings that blend traditional Yoruba themes with Christian iconography?

A. Lamidi Fakeye
B. Uche Okeke
C. Bruce Onobrakpeya
D. Demas Nwoko
Explanation

Lamidi Fakeye was a master wood carver who blended traditional Yoruba motifs with Christian iconography, creating church doors and altars that fused African aesthetics with biblical narratives, bridging cultural and religious worlds.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

In traditional African art, the use of feathers in costume design often symbolizes

A. fertility
B. spiritual connection
C. mourning
D. harvest
Explanation

Feathers in traditional African costume design often symbolize a spiritual connection to the divine or ancestors, evoking the flight of birds as messengers between realms, commonly seen in masquerade attire across various ethnic groups.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

The technique of creating a print by pressing ink into incised lines on a metal plate is called

A. relief printing
B. intaglio printing
C. planographic printing
D. stencil printing
Explanation

Intaglio printing involves incising lines into a metal plate (e.g., copper), filling them with ink, wiping the surface, and pressing to transfer the recessed image, a method central to techniques like etching and engraving.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which of the following best describes the focus of ancient Egyptian wall paintings?

A. Depicting realistic landscapes
B. Celebrating daily life and afterlife beliefs
C. Emphasizing abstract geometric forms
D. Avoiding human figures
Explanation

Ancient Egyptian wall paintings, found in tombs like those in the Valley of the Kings, celebrated daily life activities and afterlife beliefs, using flat, symbolic figures in registers to ensure the deceased's eternal provisions.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

In Nigerian art, the Kanuri people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. embroidered caps
C. terracotta figures
D. wooden masks
Explanation

The Kanuri people of northeastern Nigeria and the Bornu Kingdom are known for their finely embroidered caps, often featuring intricate geometric patterns and worn during Islamic festivals and royal ceremonies to denote status.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

The principle of art that creates visual interest through differences in elements is

A. balance
B. contrast
C. rhythm
D. harmony
Explanation

Contrast creates visual interest by juxtaposing differences in elements like light/dark, rough/smooth, or complementary colors, drawing attention and adding dynamism to the composition.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which of the following artists is associated with the Bauhaus movement?

A. Wassily Kandinsky
B. Salvador Dalí
C. Claude Monet
D. Vincent van Gogh
Explanation

Wassily Kandinsky was a prominent teacher at the Bauhaus school (1919-1933), where he explored abstract art and color theory, contributing to its philosophy of uniting art, craft, and technology for functional design.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

In traditional Yoruba art, the use of a carved wooden bowl in rituals often symbolizes

A. fertility
B. spiritual offering
C. royal authority
D. harvest celebration
Explanation

In Yoruba art, the carved wooden bowl (often called 'opo') is used in rituals to hold offerings like kola nuts or water, symbolizing spiritual exchange and appeasement of deities or ancestors in sacred ceremonies.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

The technique of creating a print by carving into a woodblock and inking the raised areas is called

A. woodcut
B. etching
C. lithography
D. silkscreen
Explanation

Woodcut, one of the oldest printmaking techniques, involves carving a design into a woodblock, inking the raised surfaces, and pressing it onto paper, producing bold, expressive images as seen in Albrecht Dürer's works.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which of the following best describes the focus of Islamic art?

A. Emphasis on realistic human figures
B. Use of calligraphy and geometric patterns
C. Avoidance of decorative elements
D. Focus on naturalistic landscapes
Explanation

Islamic art emphasizes calligraphy (as sacred script) and intricate geometric patterns to adorn mosques and manuscripts, adhering to aniconism by avoiding figurative representations of living beings, as magnificently displayed in the Alhambra's tilework.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

In Nigerian art, the Tiv people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. carved wooden stools
C. terracotta figures
D. beaded jewelry
Explanation

The Tiv people of central Nigeria are known for their carved wooden stools, which feature anthropomorphic designs and symbolic carvings representing clan lineages, used in social gatherings and as status symbols.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

The element of art that refers to the use of colors to create mood is

A. color
B. value
C. texture
D. space
Explanation

Color is the element of art that evokes mood and emotion, with warm hues like red stimulating energy and passion, while cool tones like blue induce calmness and introspection, profoundly influencing the viewer's psychological response.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which art movement focused on the depiction of light and its effects through loose brushwork?

A. Impressionism
B. Cubism
C. Surrealism
D. Romanticism
Explanation

Impressionism, emerging in late 19th-century France, focused on capturing the transient effects of light and color through loose, visible brushwork and plein air painting, as pioneered by Claude Monet in *Impression, Sunrise*.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

In traditional African art, the use of copper in jewelry often symbolizes

A. fertility
B. spiritual protection
C. wealth
D. mourning
Explanation

Copper in traditional African jewelry, such as among the Akan and Yoruba, symbolizes wealth and prosperity due to its malleability, trade value, and association with earth's riches, often worn to display social standing.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

The technique of creating a print by using a flat surface treated with grease and water is called

A. woodcut
B. etching
C. lithography
D. silkscreen
Explanation

Lithography, invented in the late 18th century, uses a flat stone or metal plate treated with grease (for image) and water (to repel ink from non-image areas), exploiting oil-water repulsion for high-quality reproductions.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which of the following best describes the focus of ancient Greek pottery?

A. Emphasis on abstract geometric forms
B. Depiction of mythological scenes and figures
C. Avoidance of human figures
D. Focus on realistic landscapes
Explanation

Ancient Greek pottery, from the Geometric to Hellenistic periods, focused on depicting mythological scenes, heroic figures, and daily life using techniques like black-figure and red-figure to narrate epic tales on functional vases.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

In Nigerian art, the Berom people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. tin mining-inspired art
C. terracotta figures
D. beaded jewelry
Explanation

The Berom people of the Jos Plateau are known for tin mining-inspired art, including sculptures and motifs that reflect their historical role in Nigeria's tin industry, blending cultural symbols with industrial heritage.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

The principle of art that ensures all elements in a composition work together cohesively is

A. variety
B. unity
C. emphasis
D. movement
Explanation

Unity is the principle that ensures all elements—color, line, shape—in a composition work together cohesively, creating a sense of wholeness and preventing fragmentation, often achieved through repetition or proximity.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

Which of the following artists is associated with the Op Art movement?

A. Bridget Riley
B. Salvador Dalí
C. Claude Monet
D. Vincent van Gogh
Explanation

Bridget Riley is a leading figure in the Op Art movement of the 1960s, creating paintings with precise geometric patterns that generate optical illusions of movement, as in her black-and-white *Movement in Squares*.

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2017

In traditional African art, the use of clay in pottery often symbolizes

A. fertility and the earth
B. war and conflict
C. sky and heavens
D. fire and destruction
Explanation

Clay in traditional African pottery symbolizes fertility and the earth, as it is molded from soil—mother earth's essence—into vessels for sustenance, embodying creation and life's nurturing cycles across many cultures.

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