African Folklore: An Encyclopedia - Marshalls University

African folklore 160
DECORATED VEHICLES (FOCUS ON
WESTERN NIGERIA)
Public transport vehicles in Nigeria are frequently decorated with vividly painted designs
and written messages. This art form seemed to emerge along with sign painting and
popular literature, often referred to as “Onitsha market literature” (cheaply printed novels
and chap books offering advice on all aspects of life). While these forms demonstrate an
attraction to printed words, they still rely largely on oral tradition and local folklore.
These vehicle inscriptions are derived from every conceivable source, from traditional
proverbs and adages to advertising slogans and religious phrases. Most of the following
were recorded from “mamy wagons” in Lagos in the 1940s and 1950s. Mamy wagons are
trucks that have been converted into roofed, but open-sided, buses. The decorative
tradition is also employed on minivans and taxis. The sayings are painted on the front
board above the cab, along the sides, or on the rear gate.
The themes developed on the sides of trucks, minivans, and taxis—sometimes in large
mobile murals, but also in small scenes—are derived from a wide variety of popular
culture sources. Films provide familiar heroes and scenes (Chinese “Kung Fu” movies
are favorites in Nigeria). Animals are usually ferocious, seldom comical, and never
“cute,” although sometimes creatures of beauty are used, such as birds. While most of the
examples cited here reflect Christian Yoruba traditions, very similar adages citing Allah
and seeking his protection (usually written in Arabic) are also seen.
Truck and taxi drivers are engaged in a difficult business and always seek spiritual
protection, guidance, and aid. In addition to the prayers and blessings written on the
outside of their vehicles, protective amulets and medicines are often hung or hidden in
vehicles in order to protect passengers, avoid accidents, prevent police bribery, and
reward hard work. The adages and images decorating the outside of the vehicles continue
this function. Ogun is honored by many Yoruba drivers; he is the orisha of iron.
Decorated vehicles are found worldwide, and include everything from elaborately
embellished bicycles to animal carts, skate boards to motorcycles, sixteen-wheel trucks to
wheelchairs. The traditions introduced in this entry find intriguing correspondence in
Haiti, which has a strong Yoruba heritage; thus, decorated vehicles join other African
American artistic expressions.
Here are a few Yoruba examples, grouped loosely by topic:
Religious Instructions and Inspirational Messages
1. Oba Bi Olorun Kosi
(There is no King like God)
2. Anu Oluwa Po
(The Compassion of the Lord is Plenty)