Motif and Colour Signification among the Yoruba
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Date
2020-08
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Icheke Journal of the Faculty of Humanities
Abstract
Colour is a dominant medium of visual aesthetics, described in terms of Chroma
known in Yoruba as "Aro." However, colour in most Nigerian dramatic
performances has aimed mostly to beautify than interrogate its experiential
outcome. This research sought to know the effectiveness of indigenous motifs on
the audience (with emphasis on colour) based on Yoruba ritual, cultural and
religious worldview. Using "aro" as a vehicle for design intentions, decoration and
communication, the study draws from tables of the applicable meaning of colour
to foreground the research. The paper then looks at colour applications in some
Yoruba ritual and contemporary dramatic plays with a focus on indigenous ritual
and religious objects. It textually analysed the colour significance of ritualistic
aspects of three plays and a performance of one contemporary Yoruba play with
European celebrative flavor. Post-performance interviews and Focused Group
Discussions were conducted with the audience, and observations were
qualitatively analysed using comparative tables. Opinion reveals two significant
findings. Colour in modern English plays shows Vitality, energy and beauty, while
colour in ritual plays portends gods, spirituality and groves. They perceive colour
in modern Nigerian plays as aesthetic, exciting but without spiritual significance.
Their audience appreciates colour from a spiritual perspective with deities and
related objects or motifs thereof. Yoruba audience also exhibits fears toward ritual
objects in performances as they would in real life. The mix of ritual and modern
domestic play was able to draw an effective relationship between ancient Yoruba
culture and the present and further illustrates the Yoruba audience penchant for
figurative communication.