Plaques as History

For most of his plaques, Lamidi draws on familiar themes associated with Yoruba gods and culture heroes like warriors and kings. However, in the 1960s and, more recently in the 1990s, he accepted commissions for decorative plaques from Nigerian and American Christian churches.

In plaques with Christian themes, Lamidi often presents Biblical characters as Yoruba heroes. For instance, Lamidi gave Pontius Pilate a Yoruba king’s crown and dressed Roman soldiers like Yoruba warriors.

Lamidi has carved only one contemporary political commentary, entitled Justice.