Design Elements of the Omu-Aro: Towards A Semiotic-Hermeneutic Approach

Résumé

Beyond being a visual aesthetic, the Omu-Aro is a visual language. As a cultural symbol, and a visual element, it communicates profound meaning peculiar to the historical and cultural experiences of the people of Arochukwu. Understanding visual language helps decode and interpret visual messages. The Omu-Aro is understood in the context of this study as a visual language that transcends linguistic barriers, encompassing symbolic meanings, preserving history and traditions, artistry, identity, and community representation. A cursory glance at available literature on the Omu-Aro reveals that there are no scientific studies on this symbol. This work, therefore, fills a gap by engaging in a study of the design elements in the Omu-Aro for a communication of the nuances of the component parts. The study adopts the semiotic doctrine of Charles Sanders Peirce for the interpretation of the Omu-Aro. Through a critical and semiotic analysis of its symbolic motifs, this research reveals the intricate narratives and cultural values embedded in the Omu-Aro.