Investigating African Belief in the Concept of Reincarnation: The case of Ifá and Ayò Ọlópón. Symbolism among the Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The concept of reincarnation, a situation where a dead person comes back to life, is as old as human beings. However, there is divergence in the belief among various religions. African religion such as Ifá uses symbols to validate the belief in reincarnation. Ifá is the foundation of the culture of the Yoruba people. The present study aims to define the concept of reincarnation in Ifá and in ayò ọlọ́pọ́n to substantiate African beliefs in the concept of reincarnation. No known work either relates Ifá with the concept of reincarnation or connects ayò ọlọ́pọ́n with Ifá to solve a cultural problem. The present study fills this gap. Symbolism, a mode in semiotics where an object signifies or represents something or somebody, is adopted for the analysis of the study since symbolism is fundamental to Ifá. The visitation of Odù in Ifá is related to the ayò game, linking the symbolism in both Ifá and ayò ọlọ́pọ́n to the realization or application of the concept of reincarnation in human life, especially among Africans and the Yoruba people. It is determined that there is synergy between Ifá and ayò ọlọ́pọ́n, and reincarnation. The study concludes that reincarnation is an encapsulated concept illustrated by Ifá and ayò ọlọ́pọ́n- the religious and social life of the Yoruba people. African cultural symbols are tangible means of cultural heritage that solve contemporary and controversial human issues such as the African belief in reincarnation.