The Place of Susan Wenger's Art in Yoruba Religion: A Preliminary Survey

Abstract

The power of art as a viable means of communication in the various sectors of human endeavors cannot be undermined. Art itself constitutes a rather wide and versatile field of play where implications far outrun manifestations accessible to human perception at any given time. In other words, a work of art could effectively communicate different messages in terms of depth and intent to a diverse “audience” at any given period. Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. Art has been defined as “symbolic statements of ideas, using sensory stimulus to make their presentation.” This definition of art presents some assumptions that may not enjoy universal acceptance. Identifying symbols as expressions of art and ideas as the sole source from which such expressions are sourced could prove problematic. Art may be expressed through the aid of symbols but is not limited to it neither do ideas constitute the sole source from which expressions of art emanate. The use of sensory stimulus by people in the presentation of art is however a valid observation as both verbal and visual art depends on the senses for human appreciation.