Recognition of cultural relativity through Yoruba culture in the ancient city of Ilé-Ifé, Nigeria

CHO JI-SOOK

doi:10.21049/ccs.2017.49..303

This paper examines the origin of the current Nigerian Yoruba artistic and cultural tradition through ancient artifacts and creation myths centered on Ilé-Ifé (or Ifé) located in the southwestern part of Nigeria and recognition of cultural relativity. In the oral tradition, kingdoms of Ijebu, Oyo, and Benin all have their origins in the ancient city of Ilé-Ifé, the cradle of Yoruba culture. Their founders were sons of Oduduwa, the god of Yoruba. In this way, kingdoms built around Ilé-Ife were closely connected with culture, religion, and society. In order to understand the Yoruba culture, research on Ilé-Ife, the source of their artistic and cultural traditions, is very important. The Yoruba are deeply rooted in Ilé-Ife. They have been steadily preserving their artistry since the beginning. They have been using it in their lives to this day for centuries. Their evidences are mythology and Ifa divination system. They are cultural heritages that represent the art of Yoruba and the spiritual culture. Ifa devination system is one of Yoruba traditions associated with Yoruba gods ‘Eshu’ and ‘Ifa’. It has been conducted among the Yoruba until now. If the culture and civilization of Africa, including these Yoruba traditional customs, are deemed illogical and superstitious, it would mislead their efforts to preserve the origin in its original form. If so, one should understand the relativity of other cultures and civilizations and the need for diversity and flexibility of value standards to judge their cultures and civilizations.

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