Nigerian Studies: The Religious and Political System of the Yoruba

by R. E. Dennett

Overview

Originally written and published in 1910, Dennett's study of the Yoruba is designed to provide a clear and intelligble description of the beliefs and values which underlie traditional practices and customs among this Nigerian tribe. It seeks to provide an account of the religious institutions that are found in Yorubaland, and to relate these to some aspects of the political and economic life of the Yorubas. The book is based on information which the author collected from informants while in Nigeria, as well as on some of the first written material produced by Nigerian scholars themselves in the first decade of this century.

Dennett's study provies a valuable source of oral tradition, which he recorded meticulously, and a fascinating insight into the early attempts to describe and categorise African systems of thought.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367110406
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/23/2019
Series:	Routledge Revivals
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Explanatory Chapter. 1. A Few Notes on the History of Yorubaland. 2. Creation and the Sacred Stones at Ife. 3. Death, Burial, and Departed Spirits Oro, Egungun etc. 4. The Four Great Estates in the Native Form of Government. 5. Jakuta: The Four Winds. 6. Odudua and the Four Days of the Week. 7. Obatala. 8. Ifa and the Four Walls of the Yoruba Kingdom. 9. Eshu. 10. Aganju, Yemoja, Their Offspring, and the Ogboni or Council. 11. Olokun Olosa and Fisherman. 12. Ogun, Oshowsi, and the Hunter. 13. Seasons. 14. Oke, Ojo, Ajeshaluga and Farming. 15. Odus of Ifa. 16. Shango-Oya-Oba-Oshun. 17. Land Laws. 18. Conclusion.