Introduction
Understanding Tradition yorùbá and Ifá
The Yorùbá tradition affirms a world in which personal destiny, character, ancestors, natural forces and community are related. The *òrìs* are not mere "gods of nature": they possess stories, cults, cities, lines and complex characters.
Each person has a *orí*, "inner head", linked to his destiny and his choices.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- The Yorùbá tradition affirms a world where personal destiny, character, ancestors, natural forces and community are in relation.
- Each person has a *orí*, "inner head", linked to his destiny and his choices.
- knowing one's destiny does not suppress freedom; it invites one to cultivate character and right relations.
- This tradition is rooted in West African history and cultures.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Origins and training
Each person has a *orí*, "inner head", linked to his destiny and his choices.
Historical developments
*To
Ritual life and teachings
Each person has a *orí*, "inner head", linked to his destiny and his choices.
A living and plural tradition
A good life seeks *ìwà p的l的,*, balanced and dignified character.
History and development
Each person has a *orí*, "inner head", linked to his destiny and his choices. *À
A good life seeks *ìwà p的l的,*, balanced and dignified character.
Worldview, beliefs and practices
Each person has a *orí*, "inner head", linked to his destiny and his choices. *À
A good life seeks *ìwà p的l的,*, balanced and dignified character.
Texts, symbols and transmission
The corpus d的Ifá is an immense oral literature, now also transcribed. Symbols: divinatory tray, chain *opele*, sacred nuts, double axe of 的àngó, iron d的gún, water d的的的un.
What research can and cannot say
The Atlantic trade has spread and transformed these traditions in the Americas. The probabilistic study of divination does not in itself account for its moral and narrative function. Ifá has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage.
References