Analysis of Forms on Pediments of Domestic Buildings in Osogbo, South-Western Nigeria

• Published in: Global Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Vol. 12; no. 7; pp. 28 - 40
• Main Authors: Modupe, Abejide Foluso, Ògúnjìmí, Isaiah Túndé
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 26.07.2024
• ISSN: 2052-6350; 2052-6369
• DOI: 10.37745/gjahss2013/vol12n72840

Pediments of domestic building are spaces for ornamentation inspired by the modern Yoruba culture of sealing up domestic buildings with gated fences. The erected fences often conceal ornamented buildings, thus preventing the showcasing of the beautiful embellishments on lower walls, in line with the institutionalized ostentation in Yoruba culture. The embellishment of pediments in Yorubaland, has not been treated with deserved importance despite the uniqueness of the forms, which leaves a gap in literature on this topic. This discourse examines and analyses the images on the pediments of domestic buildings, with the view to documenting the artistic embellishments and revealing the social-cultural significances of the presented forms. The study carried out in Osogbo metropolis, South-western Nigeria, utilized the ethnographic approach, with data derived mostly from primary sources. The paper submits that images on pediments send out information about the philosophies, religious and the socio-cultural affiliations of the owners of these sealed-up buildings to passers-by. It is also observed that although ornamented pediments beautify buildings, they are more of status symbols and are better appreciated from afar, thus enhancing the urban fabric in general.