Perception of Yoruba Cultural Ornamentation on Monumental Buildings in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Ornamentation is the art and science of representing the rich image and culture of people using clay, wood or metal as sculpture and artefact. Yoruba decoration represent designs on walls, floor, roof, window, door openings of buildings and pain works. The aim of this study is to evaluate the Perceptions of ornamentation and decorations in the design and construction of monument buildings in Lagos with a view to understand reasons for the gradual disappearance of Yoruba architectural features.This was achieved by examine some existing monument buildings in Lagos to understand how the rich culture of the Yoruba People in the urban milieu of Lagos is being promoted. Five monument buildings were purposely selected in Lagos and 400 questionnaire was administered to workers of these buildings and professionals in the building industry including the tourists. 305 questionnaire was returned out of which 235 was valid representing 58.75%. The responses were first analysed at descriptive level and a 5-point likert scale was employed to determine how people perceive the use of ornamentation and decoration features on monument buildings. The result shows that the rich culture of the people is less emphasized on these buildings studied and people are indifferent about it. The findings also indicate that religious believe, over dependent on foreign goods and lack of value for these features among the urban population are some of the reasons discovered. The study thereby suggests for collaborations among the professionals where productions of these features could be achieved in large commercial quantity through modern technological approach rather than use of labour intensive and time consuming approach with little output. The study conclude that Yoruba ornamentation and decorations could be used to customized building fabrics for promotion of regional identity.