The Yoruba culture has existed for centuries, beginning around 350 B.C.E. in the city Ile-Ife. Evidence of the construction of walls around Ile-Ife between 900 and 1000 C.E. led archaeologists to believe that complexity began around that time. There is still a lot to be learned and many more cites to be excavated before a complete picture of ancient Yoruba life can be known, however the influence of the polytheistic world view of the Yoruba is evident in all aspects of their life, especially in the artwork, festivals, and annual ceremonies. The creation myth describes several gods working together to create the earth and the first king, Orishanla, is said to have been a god sent from Orun to establish and rule the Yoruba kingdom. These core ideas have survived over the centuries and remain important in the Yoruba ceremonies today. Even some artifacts from the earliest periods are incorporated into altars, ceremonies, and costumes. Clearly, religion is important to defining the Yoruba society both in the past and today.
Conclusion
The Yoruba culture has existed for centuries, beginning around 350 B.C.E. in the city Ile-Ife. Evidence of the construction of walls around Ile-Ife between 900 and 1000 C.E. led archaeologists to believe that complexity began around that time. There is still a lot to be learned and many more cites to be excavated before a complete picture of ancient Yoruba life can be known, however the influence of the polytheistic world view of the Yoruba is evident in all aspects of their life, especially in the artwork, festivals, and annual ceremonies. The creation myth describes several gods working together to create the earth and the first king, Orishanla, is said to have been a god sent from Orun to establish and rule the Yoruba kingdom. These core ideas have survived over the centuries and remain important in the Yoruba ceremonies today. Even some artifacts from the earliest periods are incorporated into altars, ceremonies, and costumes. Clearly, religion is important to defining the Yoruba society both in the past and today.