In 2024, I visited the Field Museum in Chicago, and what I saw there left me in absolute awe. Tucked away in one of the exhibits was a vibrant and respectful homage to Kano, one of the oldest cities in Northern Nigeria — a city famous for its mud-brick architecture, thriving market culture, and deep spiritual symbolism.

This post isn’t just a recap — it’s an invitation to look deeper into one of Africa’s most enduring architectural traditions and to reconnect with the genius of our Indigenous heritage.

The Beauty of Kano’s Mud Architecture

One of the most striking images on display was an aerial photograph of Kano’s traditional earthen architecture — rows upon rows of sun-baked, geometrically aligned buildings that reflect centuries of cultural continuity and sustainable design. These structures aren’t just homes; they are living monuments to African architectural ingenuity.

In an age where the world is rediscovering sustainable living, Kano’s ancient building methods stand as a masterclass in climate-responsive design:

• Thick mud walls that cool interiors naturally
• Flat roofs designed for ventilation and airflow
• Community-centered layouts built around shared courtyards

It’s a visual reminder that “modern” doesn’t always mean better — and that our ancestors understood how to build in harmony with the environment long before global conversations about sustainability even began.

Kurmi Market: A Center of Trade, Culture & Craftsmanship

The exhibit also included a beautiful illustrated map of Kano City and a tribute to its iconic Kurmi Market — one of the oldest and largest markets in West Africa, established in the late 1400s by Muhammad Rumfa.

Kurmi has long been a vital hub for:

• Caravans crossing the Sahara
• Traders selling handcrafted goods like calabashes, baskets, leatherwork, and textiles
• A deep cultural economy where every product has its place and every price is negotiable

If you’ve ever wondered what pre-colonial African trade networks looked like in action — this is it.

The Sacred Geometry of the Kano Knot

And then, there it was — the Kano Knot. A sacred, looping design deeply rooted in Hausa symbolism, also found in variations across Africa, China, and Ireland.

Visitors were encouraged to run their fingers along its pattern, feeling the complexity woven into every twist and turn. The knot isn’t just decorative — it speaks to ideas of:

• Unity
• Continuity
• Interconnection across time, space, and culture

It’s a powerful reminder that African design has long engaged with philosophy, math, and sacred meaning — often in ways we are only beginning to appreciate again.

Why You Should Visit — Both the Museum and the Motherland

If you’re in Chicago, the Field Museum is a must-visit. Their African exhibit respectfully brings attention to architectural and cultural stories that are too often overlooked. But more importantly — if you’re able — I encourage you to go beyond the exhibit and travel to Kano itself.

Kano is still standing, still alive, still innovating — and still full of wisdom that deserves to be celebrated, studied, and shared. It’s not just history; it’s heritage you can still walk through today.

Explore the Photos

I’ve included a few snapshots from my visit:

• A panoramic view of Kano’s earthen homes
• A close-up of the intricate Kano Knot
• A vintage map of the Kurmi Market and greater Kano

Let them inspire you to look beyond the museum glass and toward the real cities and cultures that continue to shape the African continent’s architectural story.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate, Share, and See For Yourself

Kano’s story — like so many across the continent — is one of creativity, resilience, and global relevance. As we continue to decolonize architectural narratives, it’s essential to spotlight the Indigenous African innovations that still live and breathe today. So:

• Appreciate the photos
• Share this post
• Visit the Field Museum
• And when you can — go to Kano

There’s a whole legacy waiting to be rediscovered.