The Yoruba are a Central Nigerian tribal group,
originally descended from a Hausa migration
from the northeast in about 900 AD. A small
kingdom – Ile Ife – was founded by Oduduwa,
followed by great sociopolitical expansion into
Southwest Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. The
influence of the city was felt far beyond these
boundaries, however, and many smaller political
entities were held under its sway. Communities
were presided over by the Oba (king) and various
senates (Ogboni), and councils made up of guild
leaders, merchants and the lesser aristocracy
(related to the Oba). The Yoruba have an
exceptionally rich and diverse mythology, history
and religious context, all of which are directly
linked to their artistic output; this grouped
heritage is known as the Itan.
- (CK.0455)
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