Lineages of the yoruba people : Lifestyle of the ancient Yoruba people
The Yoruba people, a prominent Nigerian ethnic group, predominantly reside in the southwestern region of the nation. Although smaller Yoruba communities can be found in Benin and northern Togo, the majority of this populous group is concentrated in Nigeria.
With a population exceeding 20 million at the dawn of the 21st century, the Yoruba people communicate through a distinct dialect belonging to the Benue-Congo division within the broader Niger-Congo language family.
In the realm of Yoruba society, the majority of men have embraced an agricultural way of life, devoting their efforts to cultivating yams, corn, and millet, the very essence of sustenance.
Additionally, they have nurtured plantains, peanuts, beans, and peas as secondary crops, while reserving their mastery for cultivation of cocoa. Cocoa is a highly esteemed cash crop. Yet, among this vibrant community, one cannot overlook the significant presence of traders and artisans, whose expertise and craftsmanship have elevated them to great renown. Remarkably, it is the women who wield considerable influence within the intricate market system, their status intricately woven with their individual standing in the bustling marketplace, rather than being merely tethered to their husband’s social standing.
Throughout the annals of history, the Yoruba have consistently demonstrated their remarkable talent and unparalleled productivity in the realm of craftsmanship. Thereby solidifying their position as Africa’s most accomplished artisans.
History of the yoruba people
During the 13th and 14th centuries, Yoruba bronze casting using the lost-wax (cire perdue) method achieved an unparalleled level of technical mastery in western Africa. Additionally, Yoruba women actively participate in cotton spinning, basketry, and dyeing. The Yoruba people have shared a common language and culture for many centuries, although they were likely never a unified political entity.
It appears that they migrated from the east to their current lands west of the lower Niger River over a thousand years ago. Over time, they became the most urbanized Africans before colonization. They established numerous kingdoms of various sizes; each centered on a capital city or town and governed by a hereditary king, known as an oba. These towns became densely populated and eventually grew into the modern-day cities of Oyo, Ile-Ife, Ilesha, Ibadan, Ilorin, Ijebu-Ode, Ikere-Ekiti, and others.
Oyo emerged as the largest Yoruba kingdom in the 17th century, while Ile-Ife retained its religious significance as the place of creation in Yoruba mythology. However, in the late 18th and 19th centuries, the Yoruba kingdoms experienced decline due to conflicts among minor rulers and invasions by the Fon of Dahomey (now Benin) and the Muslim Fulani. Despite this, the traditional Yoruba kingships continue to exist, albeit with diminished political influence.
Lineages of the yoruba people : Lifestyle of the ancient Yoruba people
In a traditional Yoruba town, the magnificent palace of the oba is located at the heart, with the compounds of the patri lineages clustered around it. Nowadays, both the palace and the compounds have commonly been transformed into modern structures. There is a great deal of diversity in social and political organization among the Yoruba, but they do share many common features. In terms of inheritance and succession, they follow the principle of patrilineal descent. Members of the same patrilineage reside together under the guidance of a headman, sharing specific names and taboos. They also have their own deity to worship and hold rights to lineage lands.
In addition, the Yoruba have various voluntary associations such as the egbe, a recreational group for males, the aro, a farmer’s mutual-aid association, and the esusu, where members contribute money and can receive loans. Political authority is held by the oba and a council of chiefs. Each town within the Yoruba community has its own ruler who answers to the oba. It is important to note that the oba also serves as a ritual leader and is considered to be sacred. Most Yoruba individuals have embraced Christianity or Islam, although elements of their traditional religion persist. The traditional Yoruba religion entails a complex structure of deities, which includes a supreme creator and around 400 minor gods. These entities are often affiliated with specific cults and overseen by priests. Additionally, the Yoruba language boasts a rich collection of literature, comprising poetry, short stories, myths, and proverbs.
Origin
In accordance with the beliefs of the Yoruba religion, it is believed that the Yoruba people were brought into existence by Odua (Oduduwa), the revered deity responsible for the creation of the earth. Odua graciously established his residence in Nigeria and, as per the rich cultural heritage, established the renowned town of Ile-Ife.
It is worth noting that his descendants subsequently assumed leadership roles within the esteemed Oyo Empire. Based on cultural evidence, including linguistic patterns, it is believed that two distinct groups of individuals migrated to Yoruba land between 700 CE and 1000 CE. The second group, through their astute decision to settle near a forest and engage in successful trade with other cultures, became the largest and most influential among the Yoruba people. However, it wasn’t until the early 17th century that their influence extended beyond the Yoruba community to inter-tribal affairs.
The colonial era
During the Colonial Period. The ruling family of the Oyo Empire asserted their direct lineage from the founder of the Yoruba Tribe. And constructed this palace as a means to showcase their esteemed status. This image displays the palace of the ruling family of the Oyo Empire of the Yoruba, which holds historical significance.
The Oyo people faced significant challenges during the colonial period when European countries invaded Africa, particularly between 1850 and 1960. During this time, the Oyo Empire experienced a decline in influence and power due to the disruption of its trade with European nations in coastal cities. Unfortunately, this vulnerability led to their lands being targeted by the Fon tribe, who had recently formed in the kingdom of Dahomey, as well as subjugation under the rule of Muslim invaders.
The conquest resulted in the fragmentation of the Oyo Empire into smaller regional factions. Enabling the British Empire to establish their control over them as a colony in 1860. Four decades later, in 1900, the Empire amalgamated various smaller colonies to form North and South Nigeria, which eventually united in 1954. After a century of colonization, the Yoruba and other Nigerian communities eventually achieved their independence. The process of decolonization marked the gradual liberation from the burdens imposed by the colonial powers.
The Yoruba Cultural lifestyle
The Yoruba people have distinct cultural traits and characteristics that set them apart from other nearby groups. For example, their religious practices revolve around a native Yoruba religion. They hold Odua, a god-hero credited with creating the Earth and establishing the Yoruba community, in high regard. Another significant figure in Yoruba religion is Sango, the god of lightning, who has a considerable number of worshippers worldwide. These worshippers preserve sacred artifacts associated with Sango. The Yoruba tribe venerates over 400 deities, many of which are elemental like Sango. Additionally, Yoruba society follows a patrilineal system, where one’s family lineage is determined by their father.
During the reign of the Oyo Empire, coral from the coastal towns played a vital role in Yoruba culture. As it was utilized to craft various articles for the ruling class. The significance of family was highly esteemed, to the extent that the different regions functioned as an extended family. And the relationships between the regional rulers resembled those of siblings.
Yoruba cultural artwork predominantly consists of tangible creations such as sculpture, pottery, and beads. Notable Yoruba art forms encompass 16th-century wooden sculptures and exclusive pots designated for deities. Additionally, women played a vital role in crafting numerous pots intended for household purposes. The Yoruba people have a multitude of festivals, which honor the natural cycles of the year, their deities, and ancestors. It is important to note that they do not attribute omniscience or supremacy to any of their deities. Instead, their understanding of their environment and various aspects of life is acquired through the collective knowledge of community members.
Yoruba foods
Pepper is considered to be one of the vital components in Yoruba cuisine. It is believed by the Yoruba community that consuming pepper demonstrates a resilient spirit. Traditionally, meals are enjoyed sitting on the floor using hands, with the entire household sharing from a communal dish. Nevertheless, the influence of modernization has led some Yoruba individuals, particularly those residing in urban areas, to embrace Western culinary. In Yoruba culture, there are several common foods that are typically enjoyed. Similar to neighboring ethnic communities, the Yoruba people often incorporate vegetables such as yams and cassava into their cuisine. A distinguishing characteristic of Yoruba food traditions is the generous use of pepper, which sets it apart. In contrast, other local ethnic groups avoid using pepper, which is viewed unfavorably by the Yoruba.
Yoruba language
Yoruba language the native language of the Yoruba tribe is part of the Niger-Congo language family. Related languages include Igala, Ewe, Igbo, Nupe and Fon. Although similar to other languages, the Yoruba language has some distinctive features and is most closely related to Igala language. There is a plethora of dialects and sub-dialects.
However, despite these differences, there are some similarities in the way the language is used. For example, all Yoruba people greet each other with “E ku”, “Aku” or “Okun o”.
