OUTDOOR SCULPTURES AS SYMBOLS OF IDENTITY AND SOURCE FOR HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION: REFLECTION ON FIVE SELECTED SCULPTURES IN SOME TOWNS IN YORUBALAND, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The early histories of most ancient Yoruba towns in Southwestern Nigeria are derived primarily from oral traditions that have been transmitted across generations. These histories are deeply embedded in the people's folklore, praise poetry, and oral narratives. However, the reliability of oral tradition as a historical source has long been questioned because the transmission of information across successive generations may introduce distortions and inaccuracies. Consequently, historians often corroborate oral accounts with other forms of historical evidence, including archaeological remains, material culture, and sculptural artefacts. Across many cultures, outdoor sculptures have served as enduring media for documenting and preserving significant historical and cultural events. Likewise, numerous communities in Yorubaland have consciously or unconsciously produced outdoor sculptures that embody important historical narratives and cultural memories associated with their origins and development. This study examines five outdoor sculptures located in selected Yoruba towns to explore their historical significance and assess their value as sources of historical documentation and preservation. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study utilised both primary and secondary data. Primary data were obtained through field observations and structured interviews, while secondary data were drawn from relevant scholarly literature. The findings reveal that the selected sculptures encapsulate valuable historical information that complements oral traditions and contributes to a more comprehensive reconstruction of Yoruba history. The study concludes that outdoor sculptures constitute important repositories of indigenous historical knowledge and recommends their conservation, documentation, and development as cultural tourism assets capable of generating revenue while promoting Nigeria's cultural heritage.