Yorùbá

Yorùbá refers to an ethnic group and a language primarily spoken in West Africa. The Yorùbá people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, predominantly inhabiting the southwestern part of the country. Their cultural influence also extends to Benin, Togo, and parts of Ghana, with significant diaspora communities in Brazil, Cuba, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

The Yorùbá language belongs to the Defoid branch of the Volta-Niger branch of the Niger-Congo language family. It is a tonal language, meaning that the pitch with which a word is pronounced affects its meaning. Yorùbá has a rich oral tradition, with a complex system of proverbs, folktales, and poetry that have been passed down through generations.

Historically, Yorùbá civilization was organized into a number of independent city-states, such as Ife and Oyo, which were powerful kingdoms with sophisticated political structures and artistic traditions. Ife is particularly renowned for its ancient bronze and terracotta sculptures, which are considered masterpieces of African art. The Oyo Empire, in particular, was a major power in the region from the 14th to the 19th centuries.

Yorùbá religion, often referred to as Ifá or Òrìṣà worship, is a complex system of beliefs and practices centered around a pantheon of deities known as Òrìṣà. These deities represent various natural forces and human endeavors. Yorùbá culture is also characterized by vibrant festivals, intricate beadwork, and distinctive music and dance forms that have influenced many global cultural expressions.