Mammals · The Hyena Men from Nigeria

The Hyena Men in Nigeria's Cities

Cultural Symbiosis and Zoological Adaptation of Spotted Hyenas within Urban Ecosystems

Crocuta crocuta

This intricate hand-drawn plate from the 'The Hyena Men from Nigeria' collection, part of the atelier Curiosa Naturalis, offers a compelling natural-history depiction of *Crocuta crocuta* within urban ecosystems. Titled 'The Hyena Men in Nigeria's Cities,' it meticulously illustrates the cultural symbiosis between these spotted hyenas and their handlers in West Africa. The artwork details the hyena's robust zoological adaptations for urban life, showcasing its characteristic brown, green, beige, and blue pelage, powerful mandibles, and bone-crushing carnassial teeth, vital for its carnivorous diet and an important aspect of its dermal texture. The illustration delves into ethnozoology, portraying the controlled behaviour and unique training methods employed in this remarkable human-animal relationship. It highlights the hyena's presence in encroaching urban habitats, providing insight into how this mammal, often considered a wild canid, adapts to a rapidly changing environment through human interaction and controlled hand feeding. This urban wildlife piece captures the fascinating interplay of tradition and adaptation in contemporary West Africa. This exceptional print is ideal for educational institutions focusing on zoology, ethology, or anthropology, offering a visual resource for studying mammalian behaviour and cultural practices. It is equally suited for editorial use in scholarly journals or as a framed print, adding a distinguished and thought-provoking element to any collection interested in wildlife, cultural symbiosis, or West African natural history.

Region

West Africa

Year

2022

Dimensions

3520 × 4800 px

Format

JPG

File size

15 MB