fbpx
Wikipedia

Iyami Aje

January 01, 1970

Iyami Aje is a Yoruba term of respect and endearment used to describe a woman of African ancestry who is considered to be an Aje, a woman who wields myriad arcane creative biological, spiritual, and cosmic powers.  

Etymology edit

In Yoruba language, Ìyá mi literally means "my mother".[1] In Yoruba cosmology, the mother's roles as the force of creation and the sustainer of life and existence elevates her to the realm of the divine. Consequently, Ìyá mi - with alterations in tones - becomes Ìyààmi or Ìyàmi,[2] which can be translated as "the super-powerful ones"[3] or "My Mysterious Mother."[4][2] Àjẹ́ is a Yoruba word that signifies the biological and spiritual power of African women that has myriad potential, including but not limited to, powers of elemental, biological and artistic creation; healing; destruction; spiritual and physical development and fortification; and political organization and empowerment.[5][6][7][8] In The Architects of Existence: Àjẹ́ in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature, Teresa N. Washington defines Àjẹ́ as "a force that is beyond definition, but English approximations for Àjẹ́ would be Power, Creation, Cosmos, All."[9]

Praise names edit

Iyami Aje are known by many praise names which include, but are not limited to, Iyami Osoronga, Awon Iya Wa (Our Mothers),[10] Eleye (Owner(s) of the Sacred Bird), Iyanla, Awon Agbalagba (The Wise and Formidable Elders), Elders of the Night, Old and Wise One(s),[4] the "Gods of Society,"[11] Ayé (Earth), Yewájọbí (The Mother of All the Òrìṣà and All Living Things),[12] and Àjẹ́, as the latter term signifies both the power and the individual wielding it.

Description edit

In Yoruba cosmology, the Orisha Odù is the Creator of the Universe and all that thrives within it. She is the originator of existence and the womb of all origins: Yoruba spiritualist Samuel M. Opeola states that, "Àjẹ́ actually is Odù."[9] African women, the direct biological and spiritual progeny of Odù, are said to all inherently bear various aspects of her signature force: Àjẹ́. Àjẹ́ is primarily associated with women because of their essential roles in conceiving, carrying, birthing, and nurturing children; however, African men, including African gods, can also have and be Àjẹ́. Opeola states that "any Òrìṣà regarded [as essential] in creation, childbirth, protection of a town also possesses the power of Àjé" (including Ọbàtálá, Ọbalúayé, Ògún, to name a few orisha).[13] However, with its origins cosmically in Odù, the Womb of Existence, and biologically in the menstruating, conceiving, birthing wombs of existence, African women are the owners and controllers of Aje.

Because of its scope and power, Aje is feared and revered by many. Aje has been translatied as "witch," but in a 1958 article Ulli Beier disputed this translation, saying that it was not an "accurate translation of Aje since Aje “represents rather the mystic powers of womanhood in their more dangerous destructive aspect."[14] Henry and Margaret Drewal wrote that "Any elderly woman, her longevity implying secret knowledge and power, may be regarded as an aje, as are all who hold important titles in cults for the gods and ancestors. The feeling is that in order to fulfill her role properly she must possess such power."[14] Using the term "witch" is especially dangerous because in many African communities the accused can be ostracized or lynched because of false accusations.[15] Ayo Adeduntan's article, "Calling Àjẹ́ Witch In Order To Hang Her: Yoruba Patriarchal Definition and Redefinition of Female Power," analyzes the impact of the misuse of the term witch in Yoruba societies and the necessary usage of culturally appropriate and accurate Yoruba terms.[16] In some cases, to protect the bearers of power and avoid confusion, terms such as "Elders of the Night," Ayé, and Awon Iya Wa may be used euphemistically.

History edit

 
Gelede Mask
 
Iya Nla Gelede

The history of Aje begins with existence. The Gods who are synonymous with Aje are Odù and Odùduwà, and in Olodumare: God in Yoruba Belief, E. Bolaji Idowu defines Odùduwà as the "self-existent . . .Chief who created being.[17] In his article "The Spider, the Chameleon and the Creation of the Earth," Oduyoye finds that Odùduwà means,"Oracular utterance created existence."[18] In The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature, Teresa N. Washington states that "as the galactic Mother of All, Odù is logically the source of all ìwà (identity, character, existence) which finds its origin and apex in the undiluted power of pure cosmic Blackness (Dúdú)."[19] Washington defines the meaning of Odùduwà, as "The Immense Womb or Pot (Odù) of Infinite Depths and Blackness (Dúdú) that contains all Attributes, Characteristics, and Identities."[20]

Aje is an ancient force that predates the concepts of "Yoruba" and "Ifa" by millennia; however, the Odu Ifa also include various texts about Aje.[citation needed] The males failed and it was only when they included Ọṣun that the world could be formed.[21] [unreliable source?] In as ese Ifa of Osa Meji Odu or Oduduwa is the only female among three other male divinities and being given the power of motherhood and Aje by Olodumare, which carries inherent power that must be respected.[22][unreliable source?] Other origin texts suggest that Yemoja is the leader of Iyami as well as the founder and owner of Gelede, a society devoted to Iyami.[23]

While the town of Ota, Nigeria is the town most readily associated with Aje,[citation needed] Aje has always flourished in Africa and in the lands of the diaspora to which the Yoruba traveled either by their own volition or as victims of slavery.[24] Aje are known to preside over the market, and the Iyalode serves as the head of commerce and business in most Yoruba towns and cities. Iyami Aje also continue to occupy essential positions of power in Yoruba sacred societies and political institutions.[25]

Iyami became demonized as more patriarchal regimes came into power under Abrahamic faiths, causing many to go into secrecy to avoid persecution and possible death. The influx of Abrahamic faiths and the European witch-hunts of Europe during the 1700s coincided with the influx of Islamic and Christian colonialism and the slave trade in West Africa. Traditional ceremonies once performed by women became the domain of men; in some cases, rulers prohibited women from attending festivals to ensure that they would not participate.[26][unreliable source?] [dead link][citation needed]

The Gelede festivals helped to ensure the reverence and praise of Iyami Aje would not be vanquished or silenced. During these festivals, entire communities gather to thank and praise the Iyami Aje for their protection and support of the community.[27] The Gelede festival reveres Iyami as gods and ancestral mothers, and one of the most heralded aspects of Iyami Aje in Gelede is Iyami Osoronga, who is also honored as Iya Nla (Great Mother), and is represented by a white mask during the Gelede festival.[28] According to Babatunde Lawal in The Gelede Spectacle, Iya Nla is Yewajobi, Iyami Iya (The Mother of All and the Mother of Mothers).

Principles, functions, and roles edit

Samuel M. Opeola states that Àjẹ́ is rooted in three primary principles:[29]

  1. Do not dabble in herbalism (do not use herbs without thorough knowledge of their nature, use and divine authorization).
  2. Do not display wealth.
  3. Share everything.

Opeola asserts that Àjẹ́ are "against class systems" and "exploitation." From a position rooted in acknowledgement of equality, Àjẹ́ work to ensure societal, political, and cultural balance and harmony. One of the many praise names for the Àjẹ́ collective is Ẹgbẹ́ Ọ̀gbà, which means a collective of equals.

That Àjẹ́ is rooted in equality illustrates key differences between contemporary Yoruba ontology and that of the autochthonic inhabitants of Ile-Ife. The aboriginal inhabitants of Ile-Ife distinguished themselves from their Yoruba migrant-guests by calling themselves Onímọlẹ̀, which means "owner of the land."[30] The Onímọlẹ̀ (also known as Imọlẹ̀ and Mọlẹ̀) way of life was grounded and structured by Àjẹ́, balance, and reciprocity rather than the hierarchical stratification and ritual obeisance for which many African cultures, including that of the contemporary Yoruba, are known. In The Architects of Existence, Teresa N. Washington discusses the significance of Ẹgbẹ́ Ọ̀gbà worldview on what is known today as the Yoruba culture:

Ẹgbẹ́ Ọ̀gbà also appears to signify the original Mọlẹ̀ way of life and worldview which are rooted in egalitarianism. The significance of social equality is evident in the founding of Ògbóni, in which all members of the nation, without distinction, were collectively initiated; in the rules that Àjẹ́ must "share everything" and must not engage in displays of wealth; in the edict that babaláwo are in service to their communities and cannot use their [spiritual] gifts to generate personal wealth; and in the monarchical façade that shields the careful labors of an intricately interconnected network of Àjẹ́-rich power wielders. The Mother-son dynamic of Àjẹ́ also signifies egalitarianism, because Mother has milk, love, and protection for all of her offspring, and all of her progeny, ọmọ Onílẹ̀, are working for the fortification and glorification of Onílẹ̀, who fortifies and glorifies humanity.[31]

Because of the millennia-long interweaving of the two cultures—Onimole and Yoruba—some laypersons have assumed that Àjẹ́ is structured hierarchically in ways similar to Yoruba culture, but that is not the case.[32] There are no priests or priestesses of Àj̣ẹ́, no "godmothers" and "godfathers" of Àj̣ẹ́, and there is no color-coded hierarchy within Àjẹ́. Yoruba cultural historians Bade Ajuwon and Samuel M. Opeola confirm that before the colonization of Africa, with its attendant racism and religious hypocrisy, there was no concept of hierarchically tiered "white," (funfun) "red," (pupa) or "black" (dudu) Àjẹ́. Washington finds that the concept of color-coded Àjẹ́ was created and used by people and organizations to protect themselves from racist religious and political persecution.[33]

Àjẹ́ is considered to be a genetic, biological, and spiritual endowment that manifests itself uniquely in each of its bearers not unlike an individual's orí (destiny), àṣẹ (personal spiritual authority), and ìwà (existence, character). Consequently, Àjẹ́ work together, as a collective, to learn, teach, evolve, expand, and restructure on personal and communal levels. The work of Àjẹ́ is that which fortifies the lives of community members and strengthens society as a whole. They are the gynecologists, obstetricians, general practitioners, counselors, psychologists, diviners, physicists, mathematicians, architects, scientists, navigators, and agriculturalists of their communities. However, the role they are most feared for is that of enforcer of justice. This is undertaken by a collective (ẹgbẹ́) that includes members of Ògbóni, a Yoruba sacred society of elders intricately connected with Àjẹ́, and Oṣó, empowered males who may or may not have Àjẹ́. Oṣó are described as the "husbands of Àjé."[34] Àjẹ́, Ògbóni, and Oṣó have been described as "partners of progress,"[34] and their individual and collective works are all overseen by Ẹdan, the Orisa of justice, whose eyes never close and, thus, bear witness to everything, and Onílẹ̀, the Owner of the Earth/Mother of the Earth, who is also known as Ayé. The fact that Àjẹ́ are also known as Ayé, Earth, highlights the seamless nature of the Mothers' cosmic and terrestrial interrelationships. Because of the seriousness of the Ẹgbẹ́ Àjẹ́ 's work, the secrecy and silence that shields the Ẹgbẹ́, and the formidable checks and balances that ensure the accurate dispensation of justice, Yoruba historian and artist Adebayo Faleti describes Àjẹ́ as "the most disciplined cult in the world.[35]

Àjẹ́ cannot be bought, sold or commodified. Similarly, the Ẹgbẹ́ Àjẹ́, a timeless consortium with unimaginably deep responsibilities, does not publicize, solicit, recruit, or advertise: it is necessarily both a secret and a sacred society. It is described as being at once invisible and ubiquitous.[36] In Ìgbàgbọ́ àti Ẹ̀sìn Yorùbá, C. L. Adeoye states that the Ẹgbẹ́'s members take their work so seriously that they all adhere to the following diktat: "That the eyes should see / That the ears should hear / That the mouth should be silent."[37]

Additional attributes edit

Like Mother Gods in other cultures, they have a triune function as creators, sustainers, and destroyers of life. Historically the role of resurrecting the dead to determine cause of death when it was in question was assigned to them.[38][39][40]

Because of the relationship to Mother Earth, Iyami Aje are also known for their extensive use of natural resources such as herbs and animals for healing and empowerment. All birds especially owls, vultures, and parrots (particularly the African Grey) are associated with Iyami.[41][42][43]

Community perceptions edit

While Aje is largely associated with women and female gods, Opeola's revelation that "any Òrìṣà regarded [as essential] in creation, childbirth or the protection of a town also possesses the power of Àjé" makes it clear that it is vital for certain men - divine and terrestrial - to have Aje.[44] Indeed, Washington and Opeola concur that "to undertake certain duties and fulfill certain roles, certain males must have Àjẹ́.[45] The significance and ubiquity of Aje in the Yoruba world is such that a common Yoruba saying observes, "You have Aje; I have Aje; We all have Aje in our pockets." This acknowledgement of a communal inheritance of a power that is diverse and as unique as each individual bearer is what prompts Olatubosun Oladapo, a renowned Yoruba poet and lyricist who is known as Odídẹrẹ́ Ayékòótọ́ (or the sacred grey parrot of Àjẹ́), to ask of his audience in one of his verses, "Emi Lo Ó Máa Fàjẹ́ẹ̀ Rẹ Ṣe? (What Will You Do With Your Own Àjẹ́?)."[46]

Recently, in the diaspora, interest in Yoruba culture and a rise in initiations into Ifa and Orisha have led outsiders to question whether or not one can acquire Àjẹ́ from an external agent and whether or not one can be initiated into the Ẹgbẹ́ Àjẹ́. One can even find individuals touting what they claim are "Aje" products (such as soaps, oils, medicines, rocks, and pots) and "initiation" into Àjẹ́: it is important here to refer to the principles of Àjẹ́ detailed above. The question of whether and how initiations into Iyami Aje can occur is contentious for many, with some asserting that one cannot be initiated, others claiming that initiation can be done, and some individuals asserting that no one can choose to initiate as Iyami and only Iyami can choose who they will initiate as Iyami. The emphasis may be placed on the ability to choose, rather than no initiation existing. The book, Iyanifa: Women of Wisdom notes that the contradiction of suggesting no one can initiate or claim to have been initiated while simultaneously saying only Iyami can initiate demonstrates the fallacy of the statement itself.[47] In his book Invisible Powers of the Metaphysical World, Araba Yemi Elebuibon asserts that initiations do occur. Some initiatory processes are also explained in the Ifa Literary Corpus under the odu Osa Meji where the Iyalode initiates women of the town.[48]

See also edit

  • Gẹlẹdẹ – Yoruba spectacle which combines art and ritual dance to amuse and educate
  • Iyalawo – Yoruban clerical title
  • Iya Nla – Deity in Yoruba cosmology
  • Mami Wata – African water spirit
  • Olokun – Orisha in the Yoruba religion
  • Oshun – Yoruba orisha
  • Oya – Spirit of the Yorùbá religion
  • Yemoja – Major water Goddess from the Yoruba religion

References edit

  1. ^ A Dictionary of the Yoruba Language. University of Ibadan Press, Plc. 2008. pp. 129, 157. ISBN 978-9780307608.
  2. ^ a b Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. pp. 58–59. ISBN 9780991073016.
  3. ^ Lawal, Babatunde (1996). The Gelede Spectacle. University of Washington Press. pp. 30, 32. ISBN 0295975997.
  4. ^ a b Washington, Teresa N. (2005). Our Mothers, Our Powers, Our Texts: Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature. Indiana University Press. pp. 4, 13. ISBN 0253217571.
  5. ^ Drewal, Henry J and Margaret Thompson Drewal (1990). Gelede: Art and Female Power among the Yoruba. Indiana University Press. p. 9. ISBN 0253325692.
  6. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2005). Our Mothers, Our Powers, Our Texts: Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature. Indiana University Press. pp. 13–14. ISBN 0253217571.
  7. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. p. 6. ISBN 9780991073016.
  8. ^ Lawal, Babatunde (1996). The Gelede Spectacle: Art, Gender, and Social Harmony in an African Culture. University of Washington Press. pp. 31–33. ISBN 0295975997.
  9. ^ a b Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. p. 19. ISBN 9780991073016.
  10. ^ Lawal, Babatunde (1996). The Gelede Spectacle. University of Washington PRess. pp. 30, 32. ISBN 0295975997.
  11. ^ Drewal, Henry John and Margaret Thompson Drewal (1983). Gelede: Art and Female Power Among the Yoruba. Indiana University Press. p. 39. ISBN 9780253325693.
  12. ^ Lawal, Babatunde (1996). The Gelede Spectacle. University of Washington Press. p. 39. ISBN 0295975997.
  13. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. p. 32. ISBN 9780991073016.
  14. ^ a b Drewal, Henry John; Drewal, Margaret Thompson (1983). G?l?d?: Art and Female Power Among the Yoruba. Indiana University Press. p. 74. ISBN 9780253325693. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  15. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. pp. 8–13. ISBN 9780991073016.
  16. ^ See: Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. pp. 10, 201–203. ISBN 978-0991073016.
  17. ^ Idowo, E. Bolaji (1994). Olodumare: God in Yoruba Belief. Wazobia. p. 25. ISBN 1886832005.
  18. ^ quoted in Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. p. 24. ISBN 978-0991073016.
  19. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje In Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. p. 23. ISBN 978-0991073016.
  20. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. p. 23. ISBN 978-0991073016.
  21. ^ Elibuibon, Yemi (2013). Invisible Powers of the Metaphysical World: A Peep into the world of Witches. Ancient Philosophy Institute. p. 110. LCCN 2009351910.
  22. ^ Fawesagu, Agelo (2011). . Kilombo Productions. pp. 445–452. Archived from the original on 2019-03-07. Retrieved 2016-08-25.
  23. ^ Lawal, Babatunde (1996). The Gelede Spectacle. University of Washington Press. ISBN 0-295-97599-7.
  24. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2005). Our Mothers, Our Powers, Our Texts, Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature. Indiana University Press. pp. 56–110. ISBN 0253217571.
  25. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. pp. 152–199. ISBN 9780991073016.
  26. ^ Kumari, Ayele. "Demystifying Iyami". Www.Ayelekumari.com. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
  27. ^ Drewal, John and Margaret (1990). Gelede: Art and Female Power among the Yoruba. Indiana University Press. ISBN 0-253-20565-4.
  28. ^ Lewal, Babatunde (1996). The Gelede Spectacle. Washington University Press. ISBN 0-295-97599-7.
  29. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2005). Our Mothers, Our Powers, Our Texts: Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature. Indiana University Press. pp. 14–15. ISBN 0253217571.
  30. ^ Idowu, E. Bolaji (1994). Olodumare: God in Yoruba Belief. Wazobi. p. 24. ISBN 1886832005.
  31. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. p. 197. ISBN 978-0991073016.
  32. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence. Oya's Tornado. p. 56. ISBN 9780991073016.
  33. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2005). Our Mothers, Our Powers, Our Texts: Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature. Indiana University Press. pp. 25–28. ISBN 0253217571.
  34. ^ a b Washington, Teresa N. (2005). Our Mothers, Our Powers, Our Texts: Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature. Indiana University Press. p. 33. ISBN 0253217571.
  35. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2005). Our Mothers, Our Powers, Our Texts: Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature. Indiana University Press. p. 36. ISBN 0253217571.
  36. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2005). Our Mothers, Our Powers, Our Texts: Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature. Indiana University Press. p. 9. ISBN 0253217571.
  37. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. p. 160. ISBN 978-0991073016.
  38. ^ Acholonu, Catherine (2013). Eden in Sumer on the Niger: archeological, Linguistic Evidence over 450,000 years in West Africa. Nigeria: A Carc Publications.
  39. ^ Fatunmise, Fagbamileke (2013). Iyami Osoronga Divine Femininity. Xlibris Corporation. ISBN 978-1-4797-9115-6.
  40. ^ Fategbe, Fasola. "Iyami Osoronga My Mother the Sorcerous" (PDF). Awofategbe.com. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
  41. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2005). Our Mothers, Our Powers, Our Texts, Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature. Indiana University Press. pp. 22–25. ISBN 0253217571.
  42. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. pp. 26, 73–75, 89–97, 203–206. ISBN 9780991073016.
  43. ^ Fasola, Fategbe. "Iyami_Osoronga" (PDF). Awofategbe.com.
  44. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. p. 32. ISBN 978-0991073016.
  45. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence: Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. pp. 32, 41, 90, 100–101. ISBN 978-0991073016.
  46. ^ Washington, Teresa N. (2014). The Architects of Existence : Aje in Yoruba Cosmology, Ontology, and Orature. Oya's Tornado. p. 203. ISBN 978-0991073016.
  47. ^ Kumari, Ayele. "Iyami: Human, Ancestor, Cosmic". Ayelekumari.com/Ifayele. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  48. ^ Verger, Pierre (2011). Rise and Fall of Iyami. Black Madonna Enterprises.

January 01, 1970
iyami, yoruba, term, respect, endearment, used, describe, woman, african, ancestry, considered, woman, wields, myriad, arcane, creative, biological, spiritual, cosmic, powers, contents, etymology, praise, names, description, history, principles, functions, rol. Iyami Aje is a Yoruba term of respect and endearment used to describe a woman of African ancestry who is considered to be an Aje a woman who wields myriad arcane creative biological spiritual and cosmic powers Contents 1 Etymology 2 Praise names 3 Description 4 History 5 Principles functions and roles 6 Additional attributes 7 Community perceptions 8 See also 9 ReferencesEtymology editIn Yoruba language Iya mi literally means my mother 1 In Yoruba cosmology the mother s roles as the force of creation and the sustainer of life and existence elevates her to the realm of the divine Consequently Iya mi with alterations in tones becomes Iyaami or Iyami 2 which can be translated as the super powerful ones 3 or My Mysterious Mother 4 2 Ajẹ is a Yoruba word that signifies the biological and spiritual power of African women that has myriad potential including but not limited to powers of elemental biological and artistic creation healing destruction spiritual and physical development and fortification and political organization and empowerment 5 6 7 8 In The Architects of Existence Ajẹ in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Teresa N Washington defines Ajẹ as a force that is beyond definition but English approximations for Ajẹ would be Power Creation Cosmos All 9 Praise names editIyami Aje are known by many praise names which include but are not limited to Iyami Osoronga Awon Iya Wa Our Mothers 10 Eleye Owner s of the Sacred Bird Iyanla Awon Agbalagba The Wise and Formidable Elders Elders of the Night Old and Wise One s 4 the Gods of Society 11 Aye Earth Yewajọbi The Mother of All the Oriṣa and All Living Things 12 and Ajẹ as the latter term signifies both the power and the individual wielding it Description editIn Yoruba cosmology the Orisha Odu is the Creator of the Universe and all that thrives within it She is the originator of existence and the womb of all origins Yoruba spiritualist Samuel M Opeola states that Ajẹ actually is Odu 9 African women the direct biological and spiritual progeny of Odu are said to all inherently bear various aspects of her signature force Ajẹ Ajẹ is primarily associated with women because of their essential roles in conceiving carrying birthing and nurturing children however African men including African gods can also have and be Ajẹ Opeola states that any Oriṣa regarded as essential in creation childbirth protection of a town also possesses the power of Aje including Ọbatala Ọbaluaye Ogun to name a few orisha 13 However with its origins cosmically in Odu the Womb of Existence and biologically in the menstruating conceiving birthing wombs of existence African women are the owners and controllers of Aje Because of its scope and power Aje is feared and revered by many Aje has been translatied as witch but in a 1958 article Ulli Beier disputed this translation saying that it was not an accurate translation of Aje since Aje represents rather the mystic powers of womanhood in their more dangerous destructive aspect 14 Henry and Margaret Drewal wrote that Any elderly woman her longevity implying secret knowledge and power may be regarded as an aje as are all who hold important titles in cults for the gods and ancestors The feeling is that in order to fulfill her role properly she must possess such power 14 Using the term witch is especially dangerous because in many African communities the accused can be ostracized or lynched because of false accusations 15 Ayo Adeduntan s article Calling Ajẹ Witch In Order To Hang Her Yoruba Patriarchal Definition and Redefinition of Female Power analyzes the impact of the misuse of the term witch in Yoruba societies and the necessary usage of culturally appropriate and accurate Yoruba terms 16 In some cases to protect the bearers of power and avoid confusion terms such as Elders of the Night Aye and Awon Iya Wa may be used euphemistically History edit nbsp Gelede Mask nbsp Iya Nla Gelede The history of Aje begins with existence The Gods who are synonymous with Aje are Odu and Oduduwa and in Olodumare God in Yoruba Belief E Bolaji Idowu defines Oduduwa as the self existent Chief who created being 17 In his article The Spider the Chameleon and the Creation of the Earth Oduyoye finds that Oduduwa means Oracular utterance created existence 18 In The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Teresa N Washington states that as the galactic Mother of All Odu is logically the source of all iwa identity character existence which finds its origin and apex in the undiluted power of pure cosmic Blackness Dudu 19 Washington defines the meaning of Oduduwa as The Immense Womb or Pot Odu of Infinite Depths and Blackness Dudu that contains all Attributes Characteristics and Identities 20 Aje is an ancient force that predates the concepts of Yoruba and Ifa by millennia however the Odu Ifa also include various texts about Aje citation needed The males failed and it was only when they included Ọṣun that the world could be formed 21 unreliable source In as ese Ifa of Osa Meji Odu or Oduduwa is the only female among three other male divinities and being given the power of motherhood and Aje by Olodumare which carries inherent power that must be respected 22 unreliable source Other origin texts suggest that Yemoja is the leader of Iyami as well as the founder and owner of Gelede a society devoted to Iyami 23 While the town of Ota Nigeria is the town most readily associated with Aje citation needed Aje has always flourished in Africa and in the lands of the diaspora to which the Yoruba traveled either by their own volition or as victims of slavery 24 Aje are known to preside over the market and the Iyalode serves as the head of commerce and business in most Yoruba towns and cities Iyami Aje also continue to occupy essential positions of power in Yoruba sacred societies and political institutions 25 Iyami became demonized as more patriarchal regimes came into power under Abrahamic faiths causing many to go into secrecy to avoid persecution and possible death The influx of Abrahamic faiths and the European witch hunts of Europe during the 1700s coincided with the influx of Islamic and Christian colonialism and the slave trade in West Africa Traditional ceremonies once performed by women became the domain of men in some cases rulers prohibited women from attending festivals to ensure that they would not participate 26 unreliable source dead link citation needed The Gelede festivals helped to ensure the reverence and praise of Iyami Aje would not be vanquished or silenced During these festivals entire communities gather to thank and praise the Iyami Aje for their protection and support of the community 27 The Gelede festival reveres Iyami as gods and ancestral mothers and one of the most heralded aspects of Iyami Aje in Gelede is Iyami Osoronga who is also honored as Iya Nla Great Mother and is represented by a white mask during the Gelede festival 28 According to Babatunde Lawal in The Gelede Spectacle Iya Nla is Yewajobi Iyami Iya The Mother of All and the Mother of Mothers Principles functions and roles editSamuel M Opeola states that Ajẹ is rooted in three primary principles 29 Do not dabble in herbalism do not use herbs without thorough knowledge of their nature use and divine authorization Do not display wealth Share everything Opeola asserts that Ajẹ are against class systems and exploitation From a position rooted in acknowledgement of equality Ajẹ work to ensure societal political and cultural balance and harmony One of the many praise names for the Ajẹ collective is Ẹgbẹ Ọ gba which means a collective of equals That Ajẹ is rooted in equality illustrates key differences between contemporary Yoruba ontology and that of the autochthonic inhabitants of Ile Ife The aboriginal inhabitants of Ile Ife distinguished themselves from their Yoruba migrant guests by calling themselves Onimọlẹ which means owner of the land 30 The Onimọlẹ also known as Imọlẹ and Mọlẹ way of life was grounded and structured by Ajẹ balance and reciprocity rather than the hierarchical stratification and ritual obeisance for which many African cultures including that of the contemporary Yoruba are known In The Architects of Existence Teresa N Washington discusses the significance of Ẹgbẹ Ọ gba worldview on what is known today as the Yoruba culture Ẹgbẹ Ọ gba also appears to signify the original Mọlẹ way of life and worldview which are rooted in egalitarianism The significance of social equality is evident in the founding of Ogboni in which all members of the nation without distinction were collectively initiated in the rules that Ajẹ must share everything and must not engage in displays of wealth in the edict that babalawo are in service to their communities and cannot use their spiritual gifts to generate personal wealth and in the monarchical facade that shields the careful labors of an intricately interconnected network of Ajẹ rich power wielders The Mother son dynamic of Ajẹ also signifies egalitarianism because Mother has milk love and protection for all of her offspring and all of her progeny ọmọ Onilẹ are working for the fortification and glorification of Onilẹ who fortifies and glorifies humanity 31 Because of the millennia long interweaving of the two cultures Onimole and Yoruba some laypersons have assumed that Ajẹ is structured hierarchically in ways similar to Yoruba culture but that is not the case 32 There are no priests or priestesses of Aj ẹ no godmothers and godfathers of Aj ẹ and there is no color coded hierarchy within Ajẹ Yoruba cultural historians Bade Ajuwon and Samuel M Opeola confirm that before the colonization of Africa with its attendant racism and religious hypocrisy there was no concept of hierarchically tiered white funfun red pupa or black dudu Ajẹ Washington finds that the concept of color coded Ajẹ was created and used by people and organizations to protect themselves from racist religious and political persecution 33 Ajẹ is considered to be a genetic biological and spiritual endowment that manifests itself uniquely in each of its bearers not unlike an individual s ori destiny aṣẹ personal spiritual authority and iwa existence character Consequently Ajẹ work together as a collective to learn teach evolve expand and restructure on personal and communal levels The work of Ajẹ is that which fortifies the lives of community members and strengthens society as a whole They are the gynecologists obstetricians general practitioners counselors psychologists diviners physicists mathematicians architects scientists navigators and agriculturalists of their communities However the role they are most feared for is that of enforcer of justice This is undertaken by a collective ẹgbẹ that includes members of Ogboni a Yoruba sacred society of elders intricately connected with Ajẹ and Oṣo empowered males who may or may not have Ajẹ Oṣo are described as the husbands of Aje 34 Ajẹ Ogboni and Oṣo have been described as partners of progress 34 and their individual and collective works are all overseen by Ẹdan the Orisa of justice whose eyes never close and thus bear witness to everything and Onilẹ the Owner of the Earth Mother of the Earth who is also known as Aye The fact that Ajẹ are also known as Aye Earth highlights the seamless nature of the Mothers cosmic and terrestrial interrelationships Because of the seriousness of the Ẹgbẹ Ajẹ s work the secrecy and silence that shields the Ẹgbẹ and the formidable checks and balances that ensure the accurate dispensation of justice Yoruba historian and artist Adebayo Faleti describes Ajẹ as the most disciplined cult in the world 35 Ajẹ cannot be bought sold or commodified Similarly the Ẹgbẹ Ajẹ a timeless consortium with unimaginably deep responsibilities does not publicize solicit recruit or advertise it is necessarily both a secret and a sacred society It is described as being at once invisible and ubiquitous 36 In Igbagbọ ati Ẹ sin Yoruba C L Adeoye states that the Ẹgbẹ s members take their work so seriously that they all adhere to the following diktat That the eyes should see That the ears should hear That the mouth should be silent 37 Additional attributes editLike Mother Gods in other cultures they have a triune function as creators sustainers and destroyers of life Historically the role of resurrecting the dead to determine cause of death when it was in question was assigned to them 38 39 40 Because of the relationship to Mother Earth Iyami Aje are also known for their extensive use of natural resources such as herbs and animals for healing and empowerment All birds especially owls vultures and parrots particularly the African Grey are associated with Iyami 41 42 43 Community perceptions editWhile Aje is largely associated with women and female gods Opeola s revelation that any Oriṣa regarded as essential in creation childbirth or the protection of a town also possesses the power of Aje makes it clear that it is vital for certain men divine and terrestrial to have Aje 44 Indeed Washington and Opeola concur that to undertake certain duties and fulfill certain roles certain males must have Ajẹ 45 The significance and ubiquity of Aje in the Yoruba world is such that a common Yoruba saying observes You have Aje I have Aje We all have Aje in our pockets This acknowledgement of a communal inheritance of a power that is diverse and as unique as each individual bearer is what prompts Olatubosun Oladapo a renowned Yoruba poet and lyricist who is known as Odidẹrẹ Ayekootọ or the sacred grey parrot of Ajẹ to ask of his audience in one of his verses Emi Lo o Maa Fajẹ ẹ Rẹ Ṣe What Will You Do With Your Own Ajẹ 46 Recently in the diaspora interest in Yoruba culture and a rise in initiations into Ifa and Orisha have led outsiders to question whether or not one can acquire Ajẹ from an external agent and whether or not one can be initiated into the Ẹgbẹ Ajẹ One can even find individuals touting what they claim are Aje products such as soaps oils medicines rocks and pots and initiation into Ajẹ it is important here to refer to the principles of Ajẹ detailed above The question of whether and how initiations into Iyami Aje can occur is contentious for many with some asserting that one cannot be initiated others claiming that initiation can be done and some individuals asserting that no one can choose to initiate as Iyami and only Iyami can choose who they will initiate as Iyami The emphasis may be placed on the ability to choose rather than no initiation existing The book Iyanifa Women of Wisdom notes that the contradiction of suggesting no one can initiate or claim to have been initiated while simultaneously saying only Iyami can initiate demonstrates the fallacy of the statement itself 47 In his book Invisible Powers of the Metaphysical World Araba Yemi Elebuibon asserts that initiations do occur Some initiatory processes are also explained in the Ifa Literary Corpus under the odu Osa Meji where the Iyalode initiates women of the town 48 See also editGẹlẹdẹ Yoruba spectacle which combines art and ritual dance to amuse and educate Iyalawo Yoruban clerical titlePages displaying wikidata descriptions as a fallback Iya Nla Deity in Yoruba cosmology Mami Wata African water spirit Olokun Orisha in the Yoruba religion Oshun Yoruba orisha Oya Spirit of the Yoruba religionPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Yemoja Major water Goddess from the Yoruba religionPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targetsReferences edit A Dictionary of the Yoruba Language University of Ibadan Press Plc 2008 pp 129 157 ISBN 978 9780307608 a b Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado pp 58 59 ISBN 9780991073016 Lawal Babatunde 1996 The Gelede Spectacle University of Washington Press pp 30 32 ISBN 0295975997 a b Washington Teresa N 2005 Our Mothers Our Powers Our Texts Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature Indiana University Press pp 4 13 ISBN 0253217571 Drewal Henry J and Margaret Thompson Drewal 1990 Gelede Art and Female Power among the Yoruba Indiana University Press p 9 ISBN 0253325692 Washington Teresa N 2005 Our Mothers Our Powers Our Texts Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature Indiana University Press pp 13 14 ISBN 0253217571 Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado p 6 ISBN 9780991073016 Lawal Babatunde 1996 The Gelede Spectacle Art Gender and Social Harmony in an African Culture University of Washington Press pp 31 33 ISBN 0295975997 a b Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado p 19 ISBN 9780991073016 Lawal Babatunde 1996 The Gelede Spectacle University of Washington PRess pp 30 32 ISBN 0295975997 Drewal Henry John and Margaret Thompson Drewal 1983 Gelede Art and Female Power Among the Yoruba Indiana University Press p 39 ISBN 9780253325693 Lawal Babatunde 1996 The Gelede Spectacle University of Washington Press p 39 ISBN 0295975997 Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado p 32 ISBN 9780991073016 a b Drewal Henry John Drewal Margaret Thompson 1983 G l d Art and Female Power Among the Yoruba Indiana University Press p 74 ISBN 9780253325693 Retrieved 1 April 2019 Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado pp 8 13 ISBN 9780991073016 See Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado pp 10 201 203 ISBN 978 0991073016 Idowo E Bolaji 1994 Olodumare God in Yoruba Belief Wazobia p 25 ISBN 1886832005 quoted in Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado p 24 ISBN 978 0991073016 Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje In Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado p 23 ISBN 978 0991073016 Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado p 23 ISBN 978 0991073016 Elibuibon Yemi 2013 Invisible Powers of the Metaphysical World A Peep into the world of Witches Ancient Philosophy Institute p 110 LCCN 2009351910 Fawesagu Agelo 2011 Iwe Fun Odu Ifa Ancient Afrikan Sacred Text Kilombo Productions pp 445 452 Archived from the original on 2019 03 07 Retrieved 2016 08 25 Lawal Babatunde 1996 The Gelede Spectacle University of Washington Press ISBN 0 295 97599 7 Washington Teresa N 2005 Our Mothers Our Powers Our Texts Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature Indiana University Press pp 56 110 ISBN 0253217571 Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado pp 152 199 ISBN 9780991073016 Kumari Ayele Demystifying Iyami Www Ayelekumari com Retrieved August 18 2016 Drewal John and Margaret 1990 Gelede Art and Female Power among the Yoruba Indiana University Press ISBN 0 253 20565 4 Lewal Babatunde 1996 The Gelede Spectacle Washington University Press ISBN 0 295 97599 7 Washington Teresa N 2005 Our Mothers Our Powers Our Texts Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature Indiana University Press pp 14 15 ISBN 0253217571 Idowu E Bolaji 1994 Olodumare God in Yoruba Belief Wazobi p 24 ISBN 1886832005 Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado p 197 ISBN 978 0991073016 Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Oya s Tornado p 56 ISBN 9780991073016 Washington Teresa N 2005 Our Mothers Our Powers Our Texts Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature Indiana University Press pp 25 28 ISBN 0253217571 a b Washington Teresa N 2005 Our Mothers Our Powers Our Texts Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature Indiana University Press p 33 ISBN 0253217571 Washington Teresa N 2005 Our Mothers Our Powers Our Texts Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature Indiana University Press p 36 ISBN 0253217571 Washington Teresa N 2005 Our Mothers Our Powers Our Texts Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature Indiana University Press p 9 ISBN 0253217571 Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado p 160 ISBN 978 0991073016 Acholonu Catherine 2013 Eden in Sumer on the Niger archeological Linguistic Evidence over 450 000 years in West Africa Nigeria A Carc Publications Fatunmise Fagbamileke 2013 Iyami Osoronga Divine Femininity Xlibris Corporation ISBN 978 1 4797 9115 6 Fategbe Fasola Iyami Osoronga My Mother the Sorcerous PDF Awofategbe com Retrieved August 18 2016 Washington Teresa N 2005 Our Mothers Our Powers Our Texts Manifestations of Aje in Africana Literature Indiana University Press pp 22 25 ISBN 0253217571 Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado pp 26 73 75 89 97 203 206 ISBN 9780991073016 Fasola Fategbe Iyami Osoronga PDF Awofategbe com Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado p 32 ISBN 978 0991073016 Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado pp 32 41 90 100 101 ISBN 978 0991073016 Washington Teresa N 2014 The Architects of Existence Aje in Yoruba Cosmology Ontology and Orature Oya s Tornado p 203 ISBN 978 0991073016 Kumari Ayele Iyami Human Ancestor Cosmic Ayelekumari com Ifayele Retrieved August 25 2016 Verger Pierre 2011 Rise and Fall of Iyami Black Madonna Enterprises Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Iyami Aje amp oldid 1183203810, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.