The Cultural Meaning Of The Family House In Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

Akure is a prominent Yoruba city in South-western part of Nigeria with rich cultural and traditional value. The family house is a symbol of identity, and point of reference for the family. This study examined the cultural meaning of the family house in Akure, Nigeria. Data were collected from a focus group discussion and in-depth interviews with 20 indigenous family heads that still lived in their family house and 5 indigenous social groups in Akure. The data were subjected to thematic analysis and content analysis which revealed the various meanings attached to different aspects of the family house in Akure. The study concluded that the family house is a symbol of pride and it also communicates family identity.