The Use of African Traditional Art Symbols and Motifs

This study is a documentation of the use of African traditional art symbols and motifs of Tola Wewe in his artistic expressions. It discusses and analyses the art symbols in some selected works of Tola Wewe. It also recognizes ona, an artistic movement that is commonly seen in the Yoruba and Igbo traditions. It also traces the origin and meaning and context of use. Today, Wewe is one of the few artists in Nigeria who not just employ the use of traditional art symbols and forms for the beauty alone but to preserve and protect the Nigerian culture and traditional believes. The photographs of Wewe's paintings reveals different kinds of motifs used and the motifs were analyzed for a clearer understanding of how they can be truly manipulated and creatively exploited to form masterpieces. This ceaseless, never-ending, persistent and relentless practice to art experimentations and production has made Wewe a man with an indelible landmark on the sands of time. Thus, the background of the artist and his immense contribution as an artist were also documented.