Facts About Yoruba Culture
Yoruba culture is one of the fascinating culture you may want to get acquainted with as a student of culture or someone who is passionate about understanding the source of people around them. If you understand the Yoruba culture, you are close to understanding the Yoruba people. The Yoruba people are an ethnic group from Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, and they have a rich and vibrant culture. I will be discussing few key facts about the Yoruba culture.
Language: The Yoruba language is spoken by the Yoruba people. It belongs to the Niger-Congo language family and is one of the major languages in Nigeria. According to Wikipedia, the number of Yoruba speakers is roughly 44 million, plus about 2 million second-language speakers. It is primarily spoken in a dialectal area spanning Nigeria, Benin, and Togo with smaller migrated communities in Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
Religion: The Yoruba people traditionally practiced a religion known as Yoruba religion or Orisa worship. You can simply call this ‘traditional religion’. According to CNN, ‘In Yoruba history, the Òrìshàs were sacred beings with divine powers, and the belief in them continues beyond West Africa, having been transmitted by slaves and their descendants in the Caribbean and South America, among other places.’ They believe in a supreme deity known as Olodumare, and there are numerous Orishas (lesser deities) associated with various aspects of life. According to UNHCR in a research discussing the religion that worship Ogun, olokun, it was said that there are at least 401 gods in Yoruba culture.
Art and Craft: Yoruba people are renowned for their artistic skills. They are particularly known for their intricate beadwork, weaving, and pottery. The traditional Yoruba beadwork is a form of visual communication, often used to convey messages and stories. One of the famous towns in the history of Yoruba kingdom, Ile-ife, is known for this as a source of great artwork in Yoruba land.
Music and Dance: Music and dance are integral parts of Yoruba culture. Traditional Yoruba music involves the use of drums, talking drums (such as the “dùndún” and “gèlèdé” drums), and other percussion instruments. Various dance forms are performed during ceremonies and festivals.
Clothing: Traditional Yoruba attire varies depending on the occasion. The “aso-oke” fabric is commonly used for special events, and it is handwoven with vibrant patterns. The “buba” (blouse), “iro” (wrapper), and “gele” (headtie) are typical elements of Yoruba traditional clothing. The Yoruba clothing is one particular thing that makes events in Yoruba land outstanding.
Gelede Festival: This is a major festival among the Yoruba people, celebrated to honor the “gelede” masquerade. The festival involves colorful and elaborate performances with masks, music, and dance. It is dedicated to the Yoruba deity associated with women and fertility. Another popular festival in Yoruba land is Aje Olokun festival.
Ifa Divination: The Yoruba people have a complex system of divination known as Ifa, which is used to communicate with the Orishas and seek guidance on various matters. Ifa divination involves highly trained priests known as Babalawos. One of the special attributes of Ifa worship is white clothes, it symbolizes purity. To benefit from Aje Olokun, the assistance of Ifa priest will be needed. Read helpful content on the history and benefits of Aje Olokun.
Traditional Rulers: Yoruba society is organized into city-states, and each city-state has its traditional ruler known as the “Oba” or “Alaafin.” These traditional rulers play important roles in the cultural and spiritual life of the Yoruba people. In the old Oyo empire, the Yoruba people were known to practice monarchy system with full element of separation of power. This fact about the Yoruba people is contrary to the opinion of those who colonize the region and said there was no system of government in place.
Family Structure: The Yoruba place a strong emphasis on family. Extended families are common, and respect for elders is deeply ingrained in the culture. The Yoruba have a system of greetings and proverbs that reflect this respect for wisdom and experience.
Cuisine: Yoruba cuisine is diverse and includes dishes like “amala” (yam flour porridge), “ewedu” soup, and “suya” (grilled meat). Palm oil is a common ingredient in many Yoruba dishes.
These facts offer just a glimpse into the rich and multifaceted culture of the Yoruba people, who have made significant contributions to the cultural heritage of West Africa.
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