Introduction

=Yoruba Early Complex Society = = = Everything begins at Ile-Ife, according to the Yoruba creation myth. Little is known about prehistoric life in the Yoruba area, most of the information coming from excavations at Owo, Ile-Ife, and Iwo Eleru. Human remains found at Iwo Eleru have been dated to 8000 B.C.E. and we know Ile-Ife was occupied around 350 B.C.E. however information concerning the years in between is yet undiscovered. The Yoruba people living in Ile-Ife resided in small hamlets and some archaeologists succest Yoruba society may have originally been matrilineal. Potsherts, tools, and flakes have been found and associated with these early hamlets. Evidence of ironworking has been found starting at 500 C.E. Yoruba complex society did not emerge however u ntil around 900 - 1000 C.E. when large walls were constructed around the city if Ile-Ife, suggesting an influx of people and possibly an increase in conflict or competition. The prevalence of more complex and styalized artwork coincided with the increasing complexity of Yoruba society. Elaborately decorated shrines, mosaics, sculptures, planned buildings, and communal altars have been discovered.

Religion and spirituality have always held a place of high importance for the Yoruba people. The Yoruba believed in a polytheistic religion in which the gods and ancestors lived in // Orun //and the animals, plants, and people lived below them in // Asa //. The Yoruba believed that //Orun// and //Asa// must remain in balance and to achieve this, everything, including humans, must strive to maintain positive, helpful, and balanced lifestyles. The influence of these religious ideas can be seen in the artifacts recovered from the excavation sites. Wooden figurines, carved vases, and spiritual masks among other things, were all thought to have been used during religious ceremonies and to possess religious importance. Art by Allie Sheldon Religion by Paula Amaya
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