Fatunmbi, A. F. (1992).Awo:Ifa and the Theology of
Orisha Divination. Bronx, NY: Original Publications.
Knappert, J. (1995).African Mythology.An
Encyclopedia of Myth and Legend.London:
Diamond Books.
Ogunode, T. (1994).Three Yoruba Divination Systems
and Ebo.New York: Oluweri Publications.
ILÉ-IFÈ
Ifè (or Ilé-Ifè, the sacred place of creation) is an
ancient city created by the Yoruba people and
located in the southwestern part of the country of
Nigeria. Recently, evidence has been discovered
that pushes the history of this city back to around
500 BC. During this period, the Yoruba around
Ifè were agriculturalists. They had domesticated
many crops used in their diets.
The city of Ifè is said to have originated when
the founding deities, Oduduwa and Obatala,
began the creation of the world. According to the
origin legend of the Yoruba, these deities were
directed by the paramount deity, Olodumare.
Because the city was founded by the early deities
of Yoruba, it is generally regarded as the city
where God made the world come into being. It is
the sacred place, the mighty spiritual center of
all Yoruba, because the creation of the world is
recognized as starting at this place.
It was here that Obatala created the first
humans out of clay, while Oduduwa was desig-
nated the first divine king of the Yoruba. The Oni
of Ifè claims direct descent from the god
Oduduwa and is ranked first among Yoruba
kings. Thus, the importance of Ifè is directly
related to its origin and the fact that the divinities
chose the site as one for the miracle of creation.
The city of Ifè has always been significant, but
between 700 and 900 AD it appeared to leap in
artistic contributions. A renaissance in the culture
of the region led by the people of Ifè produced a
tremendous amount of artwork during this
period. The city developed as a major center for
culture, and the city was a settlement of substan-
tial size between the 9th and 12th centuries, with
houses decorated with the icons and symbols of
the Yoruba. Ilé-Ifè, as it is called, became known
worldwide for its incredible bronze sculptures and
terracotta figures. This art movement reached its
height between 1200 and 1500 AD. Soon there
was a decline in the political and economic power
of the Yoruba people as the nearby kingdom of
Benin began to dominate the landscape of south-
ern Nigeria.
Ifè is still a thriving city with lots of trade and
farming. In fact, the people of the region grow
yams, grain, cassava, tobacco, and cotton. Thus,
the city has continued to be a center of human
activity into the modern era, and the Oni of Ifè
still resides in the palace in the city. A bustling city,
Ifè boasts hotels, a university, and radio and TV
stations. Yet the most powerful legacy of the city
is its bronze heads that created a period of realism
long before the European Renaissance and
demonstrated the advanced civilization that
existed in West Africa.Molefi Kete AsanteSeealsoCreationFurther Readings
Bascom, W. (1993).Sixteen Cowries.Bloomington:
Indiana University Press.
Falola, T. (2001).Customs and Traditions of Nigeria.
Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.IMHOTEP
Imhotep—also referred to as Imhotep, Son of
Ptah—distinguished himself as an important indi-
vidual in ancient Kemet. He served as the vizer of
the Pharaoh of the III Dynasty, King Djoser.
During this period, Imhotep was partly responsi-
ble for enhancing the architecture, the schools for
sages, and the practice of medicine. He is among
the significant figures of antiquity who have made
monumental contributions toward African socie-
ties and have received special recognition. In some
cases, these individuals have been revered as
divinities and/or divine beings. This status is often
occupied by those who have exemplified acts that
were imperative to the community’s well-being.
His contributions and his transformation to a
deity are discussed in this entry.336 Ilé-Ifè