2. Development of Oyo and Dahomey: Religion Flashcards
(21 cards)
What role did cults play in Yoruba religion for Oyo?
Used to consolidate the power of the Alafin and the central Oyo state. (Date: 18th century)
Which ruler made two ritual innovations in Oyo and when?
Alafin Abipa made two ritual innovations. (Date: Early 1700s)
What cult did Alafin Abipa found representing spirits of deceased ancestors?
Founded the Egungun cult representing the spirits of deceased ancestors. (Date: Early 1700s)
What cult did Alafin Abipa found related to divination?
Founded the cult of Ifa, the deity of divination. (Date: Early 1700s)
How did founding the Egungun and Ifa cults affect the Alafin’s power?
Enlarged the Alafin’s power as ancestor worship and divination became central to Yoruba religion and were now controlled by the Alafin. (Date: Early 1700s)
Which cult ran by priests out of Oyo-Ile became an important tool of centralization?
The Sango cult. (Date: 1700s)
How did Sango cult priests control access in the Oyo Empire?
Priests traveled from across the Oyo Empire to Oyo-Ile to be initiated into the cult, controlling access. (Date: 1700s)
Why were many royal slaves initiated into the Sango cult?
To gain status and identity. (Date: 1700s)
How often could the Alafin be seen in public and under what circumstances?
Only able to be seen in public at three annual major festivals. (Date: 18th century)
What was the Mole festival?
Festival celebrating the deity of divination, the Ifa. (Date: Annual, 18th century)
What was the Orun festival?
Festival where sacrifices were made to ensure the continuation of the Alafin’s reign. (Date: Annual, 18th century)
What was the Bere festival?
Festival where annual tributes were collected by the provinces. (Date: Annual, 18th century)
Who could wear the ade in Oyo?
Only the Alafin could wear the ade, the beaded fringe to the crown. (Date: 18th century)
How was religion tied to political and military power in Dahomey during military campaigns?
Before attacking Hueda, oracles were consulted to guide military strategy. (Date: 1727)
What did Dahomey soldiers do after capturing Hueda and why was it significant?
They ate the sacred pythons of Hueda, symbolizing dominance over the captured city. (Date: 1727)
How did Agaja consolidate religious practice in Dahomey?
Consolidated followers of vodun spirits into local congregations led by vodunun. (Date: Early 18th century)
What happened to priests of the rival Sagbata cult under Agaja?
They resisted consolidation and were sold into slavery. (Date: Early 18th century)
Under what condition were cults allowed to exist in Dahomey during Agaja’s reign?
Cults were allowed as long as they did not challenge political power. (Date: Early 18th century)
How did Tegbesu establish royal control over vodun in Dahomey?
Made vodun houses reliant on the monarchy for money and land. (Date: Mid-18th century)
What new royal cult did Tegbesu establish in Dahomey?
Established the new royal cult of vodun called Tohosu. (Date: Mid-18th century)
How did Tegbesu encourage divination among vodun practitioners?
Encouraged divination among vodun in emulation of Oyo practices. (Date: Mid-18th century)
