This paper reports an aspect of a larger study on literacy practices, needs and perceptions of artisans in a part of the South West region of Nigeria. Using an ethnographic approach to research, it identified a variety of literacy practices, events and mediums, thus confirming the notion of literacy as social practice. The study employed a modified form of ethnographic research which was specifically designed for this study, a density of literacy practices approach to ethnographic research, data was collected through a mixture of observation, participation and a series of interviews and dialogues. The data were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis which enabled a range of themes and distributional patterns to emerge. It concludes by highlighting implications for governance and pedagogy. [For complete volume, see ED567040.]