#Yoruba masks

[mahgnib]

Yoruba ceremonial helmet mask

#african art #yoruba #ceremonial #mask #ethnology

[punkeropercyjackson]

My Rachel Elizabeth Dare headcanons

Natural redheaded and greeneyed yoruba nigerian second gen inmigrant.She's darkskin with 4d hair

Autistic with schizophrenia

No masking game and that's her and Percy's special connection origin

Dresses like Miss Frizzle but with punk accents.Example:Gaudy dress with colorful tights,demonias,a spike collar and pink tears eyeliner

Aroaceflux,lesbian and a trans woman.Her and Percy define their dynamic as either queerplatonic sapphic girlfriends or exes to even closer best friends depending on the Percyverse(I have two-Persephone Jackson,which is regular tgirl Percy,and Perseo Jackson,which is transfem bigender Percy and some more canon compliant)

She grows up to disenmantle her father's company to replace it with a solarpunk international bussiness and Percy and her go to protests and do activism together and she rubs off her gender presentation on her a bit or rather helps her realize they kinda have similar ones

Her full initials being RED was on purpose because she likes to think she's funny(and she right)

Her special interests are art,weirdcore,green,enviormentalism and anarchy,her safe foods are mac and cheese joll of rice and slurpies,her stims are yelling flappy hands and physically crashing(no,really)and her blue hairbrush became a safe item post Botl

Perfectly nigerian-american in the sense that she's happily at peace with both her cultures(AFRICAN-american tyvm)

A complete bombshell.She's pretty,cute,hot,beautiful-If there's a word for attractive,it fits Rachel.Much like Percy,it flies way over her head thanks to the lifelong bullied outcast status until high school starts and she gets to Camp Half-Blood and has every other girl throwing themselves at her and unlike,she actually wanted all of them so she had tons of lesbian adventures and came out with hot girl mentality.Her endgame is undecided by me because she's too good with literally every girl her age

Her and Jason are pretty good pals that became through Percy and same for Nico and Hazel.If Jercy,she's Percy's best woman at their wedding and i can see Daregrace as a thing either poly or on it's own,it's an excellent ship that would 100% happen(lesbian Rachel isn't something i'm too firm on,i also love bi Rachel).She bonds with Percy's kids(meaning Nico and Hazel)pretty well since she's such a sweet and fun person and they share interests

She went on her own Kane Chronicles Adventure with Zia,Walt and Anubis and got powered up for a hot minute thanks to her african roots(I'm black myself but if this is offensive lmk!!).They still talk on the regular and even metup irl again once and she was the first to meet norse demigods because she housed Alex in secret for a few weeks before Mr Dare found out and kicked her out and they had a heartwarming reunion years later

"C'mon,you can't be a REAL redhead,you're black!Just say you wanted attention!" "I'm not gonna suck you off bro,can you let me play with my Tamagotchi in peace?It's gonna kill itself just to get away from you and then you'll owe me money.At least use your free time to take a shower or something else productive like apologizing to your Mama." ".....O-Okay,sorry for bothering you."

Her favorite holiday is Valentine's Day purely for the aesthetics,she's a Final Girls Fangirl,she knows how to draw in artstyles that don't exist and she has an instagram that she only made so she could use it with her best friends but eventually she also came up with the idea to use it for education and activism so now it's got two sides to it

#rachel elizabeth dare #nigerian rachel dare #trans rachel dare #autistic rachel dare #lesbian rachel dare #t4t perachel #queerplatonic perachel #brotp:watercolors #percy jackson #black percy #latino percy #transfem percy jackson #autistic percy jackson #jason grace #nico di angelo #hazel levesque #t4t jercy #black grace siblings #black nico di angelo #group:yes when i'm with you i'm at home #tkc #alex fierro #mcga #pjo #hoo #tods #the anomalies #percyverse #💌 #summerposting

[readyforevolution]

TOP 10 AFRICAN TRIBES/ETHNIC GROUPS THAT ARE GLOBALLY KNOWN.

(In no particular order)

1) Zulu ?? South Africa – The Zulu tribe is popular outside Africa. They’ve been featured in music, documentaries and movies. Shaka the Zulu was a warrior king whose popularity is well spread. Famous Zulus, Lucky Dube, Nasty C, black Coffee etc.

2) Yoruba ?? Nigeria – The Yorubas are globally known for their history, culture, art and literature. Fela, Wole Soyinka, Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, David Oyelowo, John Boyega, Anthony Joshua etc are a few Yorubas who have taken their culture to the world. The Yoruba culture has been featured in many Hollywood movies.

3) Masai ?? Kenya – The Masai are perhaps one of the most documented tribes in Africa, with alot of documentaries shown about them and books written about their culture.

They are known for their traditional clothing and hunting skills

4) Hausa ?? Nigeria – The hausas are very popular. Often known as the Igbos of the North, The richest black man in the world Aliko Dangote is Hausa along with his brother from the same state Kano Abdulsamad Rabiu (BUA). Their culture has also been well written about and have featured in a few Hollywood movies including the Amazon prime series were a woman was seen eating Tuwo shinkafa.

5) Igbo ?? Nigeria – The Igbos are undeniably known world wide. Chinua Achebe wrote about the Igbo culture alot. They are known for their history, culture and literature.

The popularized the kolanut and palm wine through books, movies and music

Chinwetalu Ejiofor, Zain Asher, Ckay, Flavour, Chimamanda, phyno, P-square are Igbos who have taken their culture to the world. Igbo are known in Nollywood movies.

6) Swahili ?? Tanzania – This tribe have phenomenal spread their language in East Africa and a few central African nations.

In the 70s, their language was part of the African-American black pride movement been pushed forward.

7) Edo/Bini ?? Nigeria – The Binis are perhaps the culture in Africa with the most famous artworks outside Egypt.

Binis are known for their history, culture and art/architecture.

The famous Benin bronze, ivory and brass artworks are known globally. The country Benin republic gets their name from them. Benin art and culture have been featured in Hollywood movies including black panther. Many Nigerian cultures have roots in Benin. The bronze mask of Queen Idia is perhaps the most famous mask in Africa and one of the most famous in the world. Popular Edos are Kamaru Usman, Rema, Odion Jude Ighalo, Victor Osimhen, Dave, Sam Loco Efe etc.

Asante Ghana – This tribe are known for their history and culture. Popular American hip hop artist was named after this tribe Asante. Their Kente is perhaps the most popular African attire outside of Africa and were known to be masters of the gold craft.

9) The Fulani – This nomadic tribes are known for their history and culture. They are predominantly in West Africa and are found in 18 African countries. Most In Nigeria ??

Popular Fulanis or people with Fulani ancestry are Muhammadu and Aisha Buhari, Tafawa Balewa,

10) Berbers/Amazigh – They are predominantly found in North Africa. They are predominantly found in Morocco ?? and Algeria ?? They known for their use of silver silver. Their culture and history well documented and have a unique language and writing system that traces back to ancient Egypt. Books are currently being written about them including a book titled salt by Haitian-American Pascaline Brodeur.

Disclaimer: Every African tribe and culture is beautiful, unique and important. No one culture is more important than the other. This only highlights tribes known outside the continent overall, this doesn’t mean there aren’t other cultures that aren’t known.

PLEASE YOU CAN ADD AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIBE.

#blacktumblr #black history #black liberation #african history

[beardedmrbean]

Oh I mean when I say do leftists see history as a Disney cartoon because how they talk about people

“Indigenous people wouldn’t do that to their native lands!” Well that because most tribes learn from the mistakes of their ancestors, like modern American farming-

Holy shit Dave is right that they never left their metropolis area

But there this complaints how geeks spaces don’t want black people in it

Black activists: Why don’t white people want us in it?!

Me: Every since we somehow switch from racial equality to black supremacy

Hmm what we done in media? Oh yeah let start in black Panther where

1. They made a oversized shantytown with different African cultures, many of which hate each other guts

2. Expect to believe that everyone with sympathies with the main antagonist, now the movie did point out Killmonger was a hypocrite because he took a mask that didn’t belong to wakandans because he felt like it. And did the exact things he bitch about white colonizers to Wakanda

Though the irony is that Killmonger represents a lot of bitter black supremacists with a pan Africa fetish

Oh oh fantasy, my Indian friend pointed out that the issued with modern fantasy is that they are using a post mayflower American structure vs any form of feudalism

Because my chimera republic made realize it more easier to create black fantasy characters in a colonial and beyond world like ones based off George Carver or Bass Revees

Also like that black elf in rings of power and black Aragon, the problem to me that they look like larpers especially the black elf

Pssst modern Hollywood hairstylists, the fade was a post ww2 thing black men started after vets return from duty, so it automatically stick out for most black people

Also if you want to use Middle Ages hairstyles for black characters. Just go to the tribes that exist as many hairstyles we use today are thousands of years old and if you stretch it to the 13 century you have enough resources for reference

Actually someone pointed out that lot of fantasy places have LA demographic structure, this got me thinking and I’m paraphrasing

Who more bigoted?

My countryhick West Virginia friend who gave me a lot of insight on American history including my people and you who help me try to research west African cultures like the Yoruba?

Or the colored hair, glasses, usually upper middle class feminists that rarely interact with non whites unless they’re genetrifed and lived in gated communities?

Keep in mind a lot of them write or influence current fantasy stuff

Oh I mean when I say do leftists see history as a Disney cartoon because how they talk about people “Indigenous people wouldn’t do that to their native lands!” Well that because most tribes learn from the mistakes of their ancestors, like modern American farming- Holy shit Dave is right that they never left their metropolis area

Not all of them, but for the most part ya, it's respect for the land created after generations of learning that it's important to respect the land, with a additional healthy sized dose of religion and remembering to thank the land and everything else that provides for their needs.

"Noble Savage" is the term you're looking for there, "soft bigotry of lowered expectations" is another one you'll see a lot and not just for natives.

Low hanging fruit in Berkeley talking about why voter ID laws are bad and racist because black people may not know how to get one, or be able to afford one, or even get to the dmv.

Forever funny

But there this complaints how geeks spaces don’t want black people in it

Geek spaces are welcoming and inclusive, they just want you to geek out with them and not start trying to force changes, I honestly don't blame some people for gatekeeping their hobbies. People are coming in and demanding changes to fit their sensibilities and what not and when they're done the 'space' completely different.

That and all the other stuff you mentioned as well.

The question to ask is, why are you in this particular fan space if you are going to change 80% of it, can you maybe just make your own instead?

Oh oh fantasy, my Indian friend pointed out that the issued with modern fantasy is that they are using a post mayflower American structure vs any form of feudalism Because my chimera republic made realize it more easier to create black fantasy characters in a colonial and beyond world like ones based off George Carver or Bass Revees

Look up the show Firefly, if you don't already know about it. There's two really good SciFi western tv shows and neither of them are Westworld, the one besides Firefly is The Adventures of Briscoe County Jr. and it's there in my list because it stars Bruce Campbell.

Which actually you might give that one a look too,

Keep forgetting how much of a giant Julius Carry was, it's got a lot of steampunk elements and it's funny as heck.

Mentioning Bass Reeves made me think of that.

Also like that black elf in rings of power and black Aragon, the problem to me that they look like larpers especially the black elf ECT

Never saw the show, but everything I did see told me they had zero respect for the source material so I didn't expect respect for anything else to appear.

Hair thing we have current year references that since as you said, they haven't really changed them up much in the last few thousand years.

Who more bigoted? My countryhick West Virginia friend who gave me a lot of insight on American history including my people and you who help me try to research west African cultures like the Yoruba? Or the colored hair, glasses, usually upper middle class feminists that rarely interact with non whites unless they’re genetrifed and lived in gated communities?

I'm sure you already know the answer. As a generalization at least.

The joke about internet racists being a tolerant group of people, 'they don't care what race you are so long as you're racist' actually pans out to be fairly true a lot of the time.

Granted a lot of them aren't actually terribly racist, they just like to be able to rip on each other and like doing it Eric Cartman style, le edgy people.

The "Anti-racists" are the ones to watch out for, that's the people from berkeley in that video up there.

It's performative for them, look at how tolerant and accepting I am.

Like this.

I know it's what you want there my whatever you are, but there's a multitude of reasons why this

won't be happening, but I'm sure you've managed to take great strides in the effort to eradicate racism and didn't just totally become a joke for millions of people of all colours.

Except maybe this creature

I love how that's become a insult to people for some reason, she just called him a individual thinker and is mad because he doesn't support the hive mind.

Granted any positive accomplishment in the black community is greeted with several different cheers about how they all share in that accomplishment, but when bad shit happens all of a sudden we're not a monolith.

That's human psychology tho so not much more to expect from that honestly.

Multimillionaire tv host saying she's oppressed and that black people can't make it in the US will forever be funny to me, also sad because that sentiment is holding people back by saying things like that, since it's discouraging, why should I try if I've got no chance to make it anyhow.

May as well just get mine any way I can or maybe lay down and give up.

#zoomer huey anon

[sharloola]

ODE TO THE SALON (BLUE MAGIC)

Washed, stretched, no oils— all plans cancelled for today. 

You trek to auntie in old trackies and a beanie with your survival kit: 

Earphones and snacks shoved into a bag,

Next to 4 packs of 1b and clear gloss.

The marketplace is only a skeleton of itself when you arrive,

You pass by crates of fresh fruit and fake fendi as the streets pulse to life.

The vendors nod at you as they chat in the frosty morning glow 

and you smile back, praying you don’t run into someone you know.

Auntie’s late (but that goes without saying). 

You’re seated at her altar, neck braced, playlist loaded.

She turns moses, parting 4c with a rat tail comb 

And your open palms face the sky with synthetic hair laced between your fingers.

The small girl next to you marvels at how you stay x-pressionless throughout.

She has not yet learned to swallow pain so yelps and cries, 

Envying her brothers who have turned the shop floor into a wrestling ring.

They roll around on a sea of knotted hair, in dishevelled uniforms and overgrown taper fades.

Their mother tries to scold them for half an hour before giving up, 

Instead focusing on the tv as her red-black hair is layered and smoothed with molten tongs.

Tendrils of smoke are released with each sizzle and clink,

Curling between her and the pixelated faces of nollywood on the screen.

The smell of burning is a comfort to you now,

Child embraced by the warmth of a village who sets itself alight.

Even fire can be a kindness when welcomed, 

She heats hair masks under plastic bags and sears coils straight when asked. 

Someone is playing music from home and it rings out tinny from an old samsung.

Lingala, yoruba, patois— bodies sway to the beats regardless.

Your hips are all polyglot in rhythm, 

And somehow the crying baby drifts off to this and the sound of a blow dryer.

Auntie says you’re tall and quiet, like her daughter back home.

You realise then why her hands are so tender on your head 

And wonder if she always looks for her babies in the scalps of strangers, 

Sees a mirage of them in oil flecked reflections as her bones twist coarse tresses day after day. 

The blue magic your own mother cast when you were small still lingers.

You notice the teenage boy getting cornrows can’t understand the sorcery in this place.

He stares at the floor as his head is pulled and frowns at all the shouting, 

Unburnt ears alien to these sharp incantations of love.

You were the same when first you sat in the chair, 

Milk teeth of a wide tooth comb and nintendo to keep you busy.

You flinched at the raised voices, gazing at girls on pretty n silky boxes,

Secretly hoping pink lotion might make you look like them.

You’d sit patiently by the nail bar as your mum retouched, 

Nose crinkled at the chemicals while she assured you she’d be done soon. 

Sweet fried dumplings and curry goat from next door were your reward and sometimes, 

The man selling watered down perfume would spritz the air just to humour you.

Your mum always announced if something hurt her,

And swatted the acrylic capped fingers from her head like mosquitos.

You used to wonder if your voice would grow in after your big teeth did, 

But you still hold your tongue when pain comes from hands that could love you. 

Now, the cacophony of the salon is a familiar melody and you know the choreography. 

Eyes plié when the husband-landlord walks in heavy and italic, 

Lowering all chatter to a murmur as he demands cash from his wife.

She hands it over with a painted smile and he slams the door on his way out.

The stony interlude is short-lived because we practise alchemy through laughter here:

Auntie makes a quip about his bad breath and tension surrenders to joy.

In this coven, mens anger is snuffed out like flyaways under clouds of mousse,

Rendered lifeless by protection runes hidden in the creases of weathered palms.

The women swap stories over your head in kintsugi english, 

Kissing teeth and gesturing wildly with dollops of shine ‘n jam on the back of their hands. 

You understand now that wisdom is being sewn in as well as tracks,

And tuck their fables behind your ear for times yet to come like seeds in damp ground.

Finally, when the sun has melted to dusk, the water is set to boil. 

You are placed under the dryer and stretch out your stiff fingers.

Auntie swoops your baby hairs after the sweet olive spray,

And warns you that it’s berry cold outside as you hug.

You leave: braids dripping, scalp sore, 

Kink in your neck and pep in step.

At school, your friends would marvel as you showed off the clean parts, 

While the other kids asked to pull and prod.

For the next two weeks, you’ll be vigilant with the scarf at night

And not think about the next style until new growth turns the knotless to a blur.

A few months from now, the man in the hair shop will follow you down aisles

And you’ll call up auntie again to hear her psalm, words a mosaic with veins of gold: 

I’m fine. How’s mummy? 

(I love you)

Which hair you want? 

(I love you)

Send picture. 

(I love you)

You have the hair? 

(I love you)

Ok, come 9. 

s.o.

#original poem #poem #poetry #writing #black poetry #black poets on tumblr #spoken word #afro hair #black girl magic #black culture #4c hair #black women #sharloola

[bijoumikhawal]

more random fic ideas free for you

Garak takes an interest in the masks Sisko has hanging on his wall (referencing the Yoruba masks he has, and the mask Tolan gave Garak, and potentially even how Tain's study had cultural artifacts mounted on the wall).

Julian invites Sisko over with an Implication. The catch: if Garak wants to make good on the Implication, he has to seduce Sisko without saying a word

Sisko takes Garak up on his offer to get measured for a suit. Maybe play it straight, maybe Garak is flirting and Sisko ignore him, maybe....

Post canon: Garak is all set to go on trial under the new Cardassian government (maybe its a retrial of what he got exiled for, maybe its part of a diplomatic agreement reached with Bajor about those active in the military and OO during the Occupation), but a Starfleet benefactor essentially claims custody of him. Garak is not pleased with this development.

Garak, Julian, and Sisko end up stranded/crashed, and one of them is injured (either Garak or Sisko preferably tbh) causing them to grow closer in ways they didn't anticipate

ASIT girlies: Sisko and Garak bonding over being bullied by supernatural forces and the cultural contexts behind that

#cipher talk #ds9 #Siskarak #garashir #Uhhhh I do not know the ship name for the three of them together #Also incidentally for this list #Siskoshir

[pwlanier]

Yoruba belly mask, Nigeria

Dorotheum

[ker4unos]

WEST AFRICAN RESOURCES

The Anthropological Masterlist is HERE.

West African is an African region that spans the western part of the continent. 

AGNIS ─ “The Agnis, or Anyi, people are an African people. They are native to the Ivory Coast.” ─ Anyi Information

AKAN ─ “The Akan people are an African people. They are native to Ghana and the Ivory Coast.” ─ Pre-Colonial History of Ghana ─ Modern-Day Akan ─ Akan Dictionary

ANNANG ─ “The Annang, or Anaang, people are an African people. They are native to southern Nigeria.” ─ Annang Dictionary

ASHANTI ─ “The Ashanti, or Asante, people are an African people. They are native to the Ashanti region in Ghana.” ─ Ashanti Information ─ Ashanti Culture ─ Ashanti History

BAMBARA ─ “The Bambara people are an African people. They are native to West Africa.” ─ Bambara Art ─ Bambara Language (in French)

BASSARI ─ “The Bassari people are an African people. They are native to the Kédougou region of Senegal.” ─ Bassari Language (in French)

EWE ─ “The Ewe people are an African people. They are native to the coastal areas of West Africa.” ─ Ewe Information ─ The Anlo-Ewe People ─ The Adze in Ewe Mythology

FON ─ “The Fon, or Dahomey, people are an African people. They are native to south Benin and southwest Togo and Nigeria.” ─ The Dahomey Amazons

IBIBIO ─ “The Ibibio people are an African people. They are native to the coasts of southern Nigeria.” ─ Ibibio Language Resources ─ Ibibio Masks

IGBO ─ "The Igbo, or Ibo, people are an African people. They are native to Nigeria.” ─ Igbo Culture ─ Igbo Dictionary

ISOKO ─ “The Isoko people are an African people. They are native to the Isoko region in Nigeria.” ─ Isoko Information ─ Isoko Culture and History ─ Isoko Dictionary

KONGO ─ “The Kongo people are an African people. They are native to the Atlantic coast of central Africa.” ─ Kongo Language Resources ─ Kongo Dictionary

KONO ─ “The Kono people are an African people. They are native to the Kono District in eastern Sierra Leone.” ─ Kono Culture and Rituals

NIGERIAN ─ “The Nigerian people are an African people that share the Nigerian culture. They are native to Nigeria.” ─ Nigerian Information ─ Colonial Nigeria

SERER ─ “The Serer, or Seereer, people are an African people. They are native to Senegal.” ─ Serer Information ─ Serer Language

TALLENSI ─ “The Tallensi, or Talensi, people are an African people. They are native to northern Ghana.” ─ Tallensi Culture ─ Tallensi Development and Culture

URHOBO ─ “The Urhobo people are an African people. They are native to the Niger Delta in Nigeria.” ─ Ughelli Kingdom Information ─ Urhobo Dictionary

VODUN ─ “Vodun, or Vodon, is a West African religion. It originates in West Africa.” ─ Christians and Vodun

YORUBA ─ “Yoruba, or Isese, is a West African religion. It originates in southwestern Nigeria.” ─ The Yoruba People ─ Yoruba Culture (in Spanish) ─ Yoruba Mythology

#resources #agnis #akan #annang #ashanti #bambara #bassari #ewe #fon #ibibio #igbo #isoko #kongo #kono #nigerian #serer #tallensi #vodun #yoruba #west african

[asanee44]

AFRICAN SPIRITUALITY IN NIGERIA

African spirituality and traditional African religions hold a rich and profound significance in the cultural fabric of the continent, particularly in regions like Nigeria. Rooted in indigenous beliefs and spiritual practices, these religions have played a pivotal role in shaping the lives and identities of African communities for centuries. As you may imagine, the religious landscape of Nigeria is incredibly diverse based on the many tribal groups that inhabit this land.

However, the traditional beliefs have stood the test of time as they are interwoven in virtually every aspect of African culture. These age-old religions remain deeply rooted in the belief that our ancestors continue to guide and protect us. Likewise, deities and natural forces shape our existence in deep and meaningful ways. As such, elaborate rituals and ceremonies are often performed to appease these forces.

Each ethnic group in Nigeria has its own unique customs, rituals, and belief systems. As such, it is vital that we recognize and appreciate them accordingly. Because they have all contributed immensely to the respective people groups in which they serve. Outlined below, you will find some of the more common traditions practiced in this region.

YORUBA RELIGION

The Yoruba religion is a deeply rooted spiritual tradition practiced for centuries. Originating from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, this religion encompasses core beliefs, rituals, and deities that span the globe. This comprehensive faith system incorporates veneration of a Supreme Being, Orisas, and ancestor spirits. 

ORISAS

Central to the Yoruba religion is the concept of Orisa, which refers to the various deities or spirits that are worshipped. These Orisas represent different aspects of life and nature, such as love, fertility, wisdom, and prosperity. Each Orisa has its own unique characteristics and attributes that devotees connect with through rituals and offerings.

EGUNGUN

Like many African traditional beliefs, one of the distinctive features of the Yoruba religion is its emphasis on ancestor (Egungun) veneration. Ancestors serve as intermediaries between humans and the astral realm. They maintain powerful influence over events and occurrences in the Earth. As such, they can be called upon for guidance and protection.

One way adherents honor their ancestors is during the annual Egungun festival. During this festival, masked dancers and performers embody the spirits of the deceased, allowing for communication with the ancestors. It is a colorful and lively event with elaborate costumes and drumming designed to evoke the presence of these spiritual forces.

IFA DIVINATION

Ifa divination involves seeking guidance and insight about various aspects of life. It involves the casting of divination tools (including palm nuts or cowrie shells). Thereafter, a priest or priestess interprets the patterns to guide individuals about personal and communal matters.

RITUALS AND CEREMONIES

Rituals also play a significant role in Yoruba religious practices. These rituals often involve music, dance, chanting, drumming, and elaborate costumes. They serve as a way to honor the deities and ancestors while fostering community cohesion.

EVOLUTION 

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the Yoruba religion outside of its traditional African homeland. This directly connects to its inclusive nature, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual depth of the tradition. The growing resurgence of people desiring to connect with their spiritual heritage has positively impacted the popularity and expansion of Ifa into the Western world.

IGBO RELIGION

The Igbo people, mainly located in southeastern Nigeria, follow Odinani, their traditional religious and spiritual belief system. Odinani revolves around the veneration of various spirits and deities, as well as ancestors. It is much akin to other traditional beliefs in Nigeria, though it maintains its cultural background rooted in the traditions of the Igbo tribe.

WORSHIP AND VENERATION

At the core of Igbo religion is the belief in a Supreme Being known as Chukwu or Chineke. Chukwu is believed to be the Creator of everything and holds ultimate power over all aspects of life. The Igbo also believe in many lesser deities or spirits known as Alusi, associated with various natural elements such as rivers, mountains, and forests.

Some of the prominent deities in this tradition include Ala (the earth goddess), Amadioha (the god of thunder and lightning), and Idemili (the goddess of water), among others. Rituals and ceremonies are performed to appease and seek blessings from these deities.

NEW YAM FESTIVAL (IWA JI)

The New Yam Festival is one of the most significant cultural events among the Igbo people. It marks the beginning of the yam harvesting season. It involves various rituals, including the offering of the first yams to the deities and ancestors to seek their blessings for a bountiful harvest.

NRI-IGBO RELIGIOUS SYSTEM

The Nri-Igbo religious system is a form of Igbo spirituality associated with the Nri Kingdom. It has its own set of religious practices, traditions, and beliefs and plays a vital role in the religious history of the Igbo people. 

HAUSA-FULANI RELIGION

The Hausa and Fulani people, found in northern Nigeria, have their own traditional religious practices. Their belief system often involves the worship of spirits and ancestral veneration, similar to other traditional religions. 

The use of protective charms and amulets is also common in the Hausa-Fulani traditional religion. These objects are believed to ward off evil spirits, provide protection, and bring good luck to the wearer. Charms may be worn as jewelry or carried on one’s person.

Though, it’s important to acknowledge that many Hausa-Fulani individuals and communities have adopted Islam as their primary religion. As such, they often incorporate a syncretic blend of traditional beliefs with Islamic practices. This syncretism varies from one community to another and can lead to a unique fusion of cultural and religious elements.

OTHER TRADITIONAL AFRICAN RELIGIONS IN NIGERIA

Beyond the traditions outlined above, other tribal groups maintain their indigenous belief systems. Below are additional spiritual systems commonly practiced in the region.   

Edo Religion (Edo Traditional Religion): In the Edo State of Nigeria, the Edo people practice a traditional religion centered on the worship of ancestral spirits and deities known as “Ogboni.” One of the most prominent deities in the Edo religion is Edo, the god of divination and destiny.

Ibibio and Efik Religion: The Ibibio and Efik people in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria have their own traditional religious practices that involve ancestor worship and the veneration of various spirits and deities associated with water and the natural environment.

Tiv Religion: The Tiv people, primarily found in Benue State and some parts of Taraba State in Nigeria, practice a traditional religion that emphasizes the worship of ancestral spirits and various deities tied to the agricultural cycle.

Ijaw Religion: The Ijaw people, who inhabit the Niger Delta region, have a belief system that centers on the worship of water spirits, ancestors, and various nature-related deities.

Kanuri Religion: The Kanuri people, living in the northeastern part of Nigeria, practice a traditional religion that involves the veneration of spirits, ancestor worship, and the use of amulets for protection.

SUMMARY

Nigeria is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage and a wide range of traditional African religions practiced by various ethnic groups. These traditional religions are often closely tied to the cultures and histories of the different ethnic communities in Nigeria. Despite the influence of Islam and Christianity in Nigeria, traditional African religions have managed to survive and adapt over time. 

Many Nigerians practice a syncretic form of religion that combines elements of traditional beliefs with those of other faiths. Yet, the importance of traditional African religions can still be seen in various aspects of Nigerian society. They influence art forms such as sculptures, paintings, and textiles. They also shape social structures through concepts like kinship ties and community solidarity.

In conclusion, traditional African religions continue to hold a significant place in Nigerian culture. They provide a sense of identity, spirituality, and community for many Nigerians. Likewise, they contribute to the country’s diverse religious landscape.

#african spirituality #african traditional religions #traditional african religions #ifa religion #african spirit #ifa tradition #orisa #orishas #igbo culture #nigeria #africa #black tumblr

[bulkbinbox]

carol beckwith e angela fisher 

Yoruba Gelede Mask, Benin, 1993

[burlveneer-music]

Frankosun and the Family - Small Talk Big Problem - Franck Komolou and his Finnish Afrobeat band

Hailing from the Voodoo backwoods of Benin, Oladele Franck Komolou, founded the band Frankosun And The Family in Helsinki 2013. Since then, the band has conquered peoples hearts with their amazing music, shows and energy. Heavily influenced by the rhythms and history of the Nago.

The word "Nago" derives from the word "Anago", a term Fon-speaking people use to describe Nago - Yoruba speaking people residing in Benin. The Nago–Yoruba community is characterized by the masked dance called Guèlèdè – a special dance rich in songs, music, epic and lyrical poems under the rhythms, and sounds of tam-tams.

The band excellently combines 70's and 80's style beninese and nigerian afrobeat with afrofunk and afrorock.

Composer, Lyricist, Lead Vocals: Oladele Franck Koumolou Bass Guitar, Mixer, Sound Engineer: Lauri Kallio Backing Vocals: Ayla Brinkmann Backing Vocals: Tiina Heikkinen Backing Vocals: Outi Kaltiokumpu Vocals, Backing Vocals: Charlotta Kerbs Arranger: Oladele Franck Koumolou and the Family Electric Guitar: Ville Sirviö Drums: Keijo Koskenharju Keyboards, Alto Saxophone: Johannes Sarjasto Baritone Saxophone: Joose Kyyrö Congas: Janne Auvinen Percussion: Arwi Lind Percussion: Mikko Koivisto Tenor Saxophone: Jimi Tenor Trombone: Panu Luukkonen Trumpet: Eero Savela

#Frankosun and the Family #franck komolou #finland #benin #afrobeat #funk #2023 #Youtube

[ohabtbj]

Asiri // translates: 🔴Gossip (Igbo) 🔴Secret (Yoruba) . . . #asiri #gossip #secret #face #mask #art #artsy #digitalart #illustration #drawing #ankara #abstract #abstractart #myart #ohabtbj #wacom #contemporaryart #digitalartists https://www.instagram.com/p/CoDR6IQran2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#asiri #gossip #secret #face #mask #art #artsy #digitalart #illustration #drawing #ankara #abstract #abstractart #myart #ohabtbj #wacom #contemporaryart #digitalartists

[robertobaoriate]

Oya is one of the seven primary orisha in the Yoruba religion, which originated in the Old Oyo Empire of Ancient Yorubaland, present day Nigeria. The name Oya is defined by the action “she tore,” “Oya” in Yoruba. The River Niger, the thunderbolt, fire, tornadoes, buffalo, and the wind represent this female orisha. Guardian of the gates of death, she stands at the gates of the cemetery, yet she does not represent death. She is only the keeper and guardian of the gates, allowing souls to enter. Because of her post, she has a special relationship with the ancestor world (egungun). Oya is actually the opposite of death; she is symbolic of the air that humans breathe, and she can perpetuate life or death with her wrath (i.e., hurricanes, tornadoes). Practitioners of the religion believe she is Olofi’s (Oludumare: God in the Yoruba tradition) secretary, informing him of all Earthly events. Because this is the aspect of Oludumare that governs the affairs of man, Oya is also a master of disguise. Occasionally, she is masked, allowing her to play numerous roles in her relationship with humans and the egun (ancestors). A common disguise is that of a buffalo. 

Because the Yoruba tradition has spread to the Caribbean as well as South, Central, and North America and was preserved by enslaved and free Africans, Oya can be found in the Western Hemisphere manifested in Santeria, Lucumi, and Candomble. In the Western Hemisphere, she may be referred to as Odo Oya, Yansa, Yanza, Yansan, Oya Odu Oya, Oya Funka, or Oya Bi, as well as several other names. A multiplicity of colors and the number 9, symbolizing transitions and completion, represent Oya. Of the seven primary orisha, Oya is considered one of the warriors. In the context of ancient Kemetic worship, she has been known to be equated with Aset. 

God (Oludumare, Olofi) in the Yoruba tradition manifests through the orisha, and each orisha represents an aspect of nature. Oya is the manifestation of the wind, fire, and the thunderbolt. Those initiated into the priesthood (ocha) under Oya have one of the most elaborate ceremonies in the religion, followed by several days of ritual and ceremony. Because of the European trade and enslavement of Africans to and in the Western Hemisphere, the Yoruba tradition and the veneration of Oya as one of the seven primary orisha has survived and planted itself in the Americas as Lucumi, Santeria, and Candomble. Oya is still recognized as one of the elder female orisha, younger than Yemonya, but older than Oshun. Among the seven primary orisha, she is the only “female” warrior. To appease her, practitioners of the religion have been known to make offerings of eggplant; pigeon peas; rice with fish, corn, or sesame seed; black beans; yams; grapes; okra; pomegranates; and cornmeal. However, offerings of palm oil and ram, Shango’s sacred animal, are not made because it is believed that Oya hates them. Her festival day, on the continent of Africa and in the Americas, is February 2. 

In the Yoruba tradition, the orisha speak through a process called divination. The divine communicate with the living through the Odu I, which are 256 configurations (odus), in which the orisha advise humans in all of their affairs. This process takes place when a practitioner speaks to the orisha using a divination tray. Each odu is referred to as a “path” given by a specific orisha; Oya speaks in many odus with the numbers 9, 5, and 11. 

Each orisha has a method to remedy the problems and affairs of humans; these would be ebbos (sacrifices). Practitioners of the religion can receive help from Oya to dispel evil, acquire money, or cleanse themselves and obtain blessings by executing various sacrifices that require prayer, offerings, and ritual. 

In the context of the Yoruba, Santeria, and Lucumi traditions, there are many legends that detail Oya’s relationships with other orisha and her acquisition of power. These legends are often referred to as pataki or apataki when they appear in the Caribbean and South American contexts of Santeria and Lucumi. One primary legend details how Oya obtains the ability to spit fire like Shango; this ability is a key characteristic of both orisha. The legend states that, after observing Shango for some time, Oya realized that the secret to Shango’s ability to spit and breathe fire was contained in a gourd given to him by another orisha, Osain. Oya secretly locates the gourd, tasting its contents, which allows her to breathe and spit fire like Shango. Shango returns to discover that Oya has uncovered the source of his secret and commences to have a battle with the female orisha. Another legend states that Oya is the one who lends the ability to spit and breathe fire and wield the lightning bolt to Shango. 

Oya is the other love interest of Shango; Shango stole her from Ogun. They are counterparts: He is the thunder and the bolt that reaches Earth; she is the aspect of thunder that electrifies the sky. She stole Shango’s secret to make fire and thus was allowed wine and sometimes the color brown. Consequently, the relationship between Oya and Shango as husband and wife or mistress exists throughout the Yoruba tradition and its legends. 

Oya is also known as a master of disguise; she wears a mask to conceal her identity when doing her bidding or in the case of battle. She is a fierce female orisha, a known warrior who joins Shango in all of his wars. In these battles, she is likely to fight with a sword in each hand or bring along some symbolic attributes such as a machete and hammer. Oya is also known to carry a black horse tail, which is used to bless and clean her followers. 

Oya is the owner of the number 9, the number of completion. Therefore, nine copper bracelets  are worn on her right arm, and a copper crown with nine points adorns the head of her human personification. Her elekes (necklace made of beads) are brown and red beads with white and black stripes. It is believed that she finds favor with most colors except black. She is known for a multicolored skirt and bandanna in the Lucumi context. 

#learningwithrobertobaoriate

#robertobaoriate

#orishaoya

#oya

[carlosgalvez696]

Manuel Mendive Aguas de Rio, 2013

31x13x9 inches

Bronze with stone base

The Frost Art Museum

Gift of the Artist

This is an incredible sculpture first thing that makes your eye look at it. Without a doubt; it takes back to African art where the mask that has some sort of artistic freedom and peculiar form that is truly different from every part of the world. Moreover, artists such as Picasso started taking this idea and incorporating it into their compositions. I don’t think it displeasure my art palette at all, I think this is very unique to put an ocean creature such as the fish on a head of a human being; truly iconic. I also called my attention to the coffee beans all around the sculpture. Therefore; I appreciate the way he portrayed the sculpture because it seems the person is pronouncing a vowel such as u or o. Moreover, I choose this artist because he is from Cuba and I am from there too, in all of his work there is always a presence in the Yoruba mythology, the primitive, Voodoo Altar, Cuban traditions, Santería, etc... He also has a wide body of work about this subject.

@bodiesfall2022

#museumvisit

#art ideas #artists on tumblr #3d animation #art university #3d sculpting #creative #sculpture #architecture #nature art

[manwalksintobar]

we them people // Kevin Powell

dream on

dreamer

the way Alvin Ailey

and Maya Angelou

and George Floyd

and Breonna Taylor

dreamed of

southern-baked

pilgrims

dancing and

slow marching

their sorrows

down the yellow

brick roads

of

second-line members

humming from

the heels of their dirt-kissed feet:

i wanna be ready/to put on my long white robe….

we are survivors

we are survivors

we are survivors

of people

who were free

and became slaves

of people

who were slaves

and became free

we know why the caged bird sings

we know what a redemption song brings

we them people

we the people

we are those people

who shall never forget

our ancestors all up in us as we sleep

our grandmother all up in us as we weep

because we are

native american

black irish welsh french german polish italian

jewish puerto rican mexican greek russian

dominican chinese japanese vietnamese

filipino korean arab middle eastern

we are biracial and we are multicultural

we are bicentennial and we are new millennial

we are essential and we are frontline we are everyday people and we are people everyday

we are #metoo we are #metoo we are #metoo

we are muslim christian hebrew too

we are bible torah koran atheist agnostic truer than true

we are rabbis and imams and preachers and yoruba priests

tap-dancing with buddhists and hindus and rastafarians

as the Nicholas Brothers

jump and jive and split the earth in half

while Chloe and Maud Arnold

them syncopated ladies

twist and shout and stomp and trump

hate

again—

again—

again—

yeah

still we rise still we surprise

like we got Judith Jamison’s crying solo in our eyes

every hello ain’t alone every good-bye ain’t gone

we are every tongue every nose every skin every color every face mask

we are mattered lives paint it black

we are mattered lives paint it black

we are mattered lives paint it black

we are every tattoo every piercing every drop of blood

every global flood

we are straight queer trans non-gender conforming

we are she/he/they

we are disabled abled poor rich

big people little people in between people

we are protesters pepper-sprayed with knees on our necks

we are protesters pepper-sprayed with knees on our necks

we are protesters pepper-sprayed with knees on our necks

we them people

we the people

we are those people

who will survive

these times

because we done

survived

those times

where pandemics were

trail of tears and lynchings and holocausts

where pandemics were

no hope and no vote and no freedom spoke

we them people

we the people

we are those people

while our planet gently weeps

we bob and bop

like hip-hop

across the tender bones

of those tear-stained photographs

to hand to

this generation

the next generation

those revelations

yeah

that blues suite

yeah

that peaceful dance

inside a raging tornado

we call

love

Saturday, June 6, 2020

5:37am

(via Vibe)

#poetry #Kevin Powell #When We Free the World #Black America #poems of protest #poems of praise #spoken word #love

[gidd-blog1]

“It’s laughable” – Military reacts to agitation for Yoruba Nation

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has described recent agitation for Yoruba Nation in the South-West region as laughable. Recall that on Saturday, some Yoruba Nation agitators dressed in military camouflage and black masks invaded the Oyo State Secretariat, attempted to hoist their flag and also take over the State House of Assembly. The agitators engaged the security operatives but were subdued,…

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#entertainment #finance #health #opinion #politics #sport #technology