ABSTRACT
This study focuses on Neo-traditional wood carvers of Ibadan and Oyo towns in Oyo State, Nigeria. It aims specifically at examining the characteristics and function of the art as well as ascertaining whether or not original innovations exist or whether the artists are merely imitating traditional art works. It further aims at finding out the significance and contribution of Neo-traditional art to African contemporary art. Writers on contemporary African art are examined and significant findings are made through questionnaire, oral discussions and tape recorded interviews conducted during field work. The study revealed the following: - that the art forms have a composition of a wealth of symbols, patterns and motifs which are important and functional in Yoruba tradition; - that the art forms are broadly cylindrical and are usually carved directly from logs of wood and that a part of the figure is very seldomly joined, pegged, glued or nailed together; that the Artists deliberately alter size and other characteristics of their figures like frontality and rigidity of pose for aesthetic and symbolic purposes. Following the findings, further suggestions for proper documentation and the encouragement of literary works for the promotion of the Neo-traditional art form are made.