4.5 Religion in Oyo and Dahomey Flashcards
What was the role of religion in the political power of Oyo and Dahomey?
Religion was inseparable from political authority in Oyo and Dahomey.
What significant innovations did Alafin Abipa contribute to Oyo religion?
Abipa founded the Egungun cult and the cult of Ifa.
What was the significance of the Egungun cult in Oyo?
It represented the spirits of deceased ancestors.
What are the key features of religion in Oyo?
Key features include:
* Cult of orisa
* A supreme being, Olorun or Oludamare
* Ancestors represented in various ways
* Power embodied in human forms
* Medicines as quasi-animate embodiments of power
* A wide range of divinatory techniques
What is the role of the cult of Sango in Oyo?
Sango is a significant deity and a central part of the retention of power by Oyo-Ile.
How did possession and sacrifice function in Oyo religion?
Possession allowed divine power to enter a devotee, while sacrifice involved a gift exchange with the orisa.
What was the function of the Ogboni cult in Oyo?
The Ogboni served as a powerful secret society that influenced political decisions and represented popular opinion.
What were the three major annual festivals of Oyo?
The three major festivals are:
* Mole festival
* Orun festival
* Bere festival
What was the significance of the alafin’s regalia in Oyo?
Only the alafin could wear the crown with a beaded fringe, symbolizing his unique political power.
How did religious innovation manifest in Dahomey under Agaja?
Agaja centralized spiritual authority and allowed local cults as long as they did not challenge political power.
What was the impact of rival cults on Agaja’s rule in Dahomey?
Rival cults were attacked, and their priests were often sold into slavery to maintain central authority.
What was the role of vodun in Dahomey under Tegbesu?
Tegbesu controlled the vodun and incorporated local cults into Dahomey as long as they did not threaten political power.
Fill in the blank: The cult of Ifa is seen as the _______ of Oyo religion.
centerpiece
True or False: The Ogboni had absolute power in Oyo.
False
What were the main reasons individuals participated in religious activities in Oyo?
Main reasons included:
* Search for empowerment and protection
* Aim to maintain life by keeping death at bay
How did religion support the power of the Alafin in Oyo?
It legitimized their rule and provided a spiritual foundation for their authority.
What was the relationship between political power and religious authority in West Africa?
Political power was inseparable from religious authority, with leaders often initiating new cults.
What was the significance of the ilari in Oyo religion?
They were initiated priests of Sango, important for loyalty and identity among royal slaves.
How did access to international trade relate to religion in Oyo and Dahomey?
It was central to the consolidation of power alongside deeply held religious beliefs.
What is the significance of the phrase ‘divine right’ in the context of the text?
It illustrates the historical connection between political authority and religious legitimacy.
What does Edna Bay imply about changes in the vodun hierarchies?
Changes in the vodun reflect changes in the human world.
