The Ife Culture and Tradition

WEEK 2

TOPIC: The Ife Culture and Tradition

The Place of Ife in Yoruba History

Ile-Ife is the name of an ancient Yoruba town. More importantly, Ile-Ife is regarded as the origin of the Yoruba people and the cradle of their civilisation. For the Yoruba, Ife is presumed to be the spiritual epicentre of the Yoruba people; a place where the gods descended to earth. The Yoruba people believe that they originated from Ife, from which they migrated to other parts of the world.

The town was famous for its artistic Works in bronze and stone as well as terracotta sculptures, bead making and brass work. It was indeed a major centre of Yoruba culture.