About Ifa
The origin of Ifa Divination has its roots implanted deep into the heart of West African civilizations that can be found in the likes of countries, such as Nigeria and Benin, along the coast of Africa.
Ifa was a common religious and spiritual practice among the people of the Yoruba tribe, one of the largest ethnic groups in the region. The religion is based off of the principle that Olorun is the high God and known as the creator of the universe. Ifa is known as the God of Divination, who has the ability to commuicate and interpret the wishes of Olorun to the people. This communication is usually made between Ifa and the babalawo, high priest (Peel,1990).
Ifa Divination is of utmost importance to the Yoruba tribe. The practice of divination is a means for the followers of the faith to communicated with their God and creator. It can easily be related to the act of praying. Ifa can be a holistic medicine or it can be used to help gain wisdom and clarity. Ifa Divination can be used as a system to provide morals and ethics within the tribe's community. It creates the spiritual answers to help solve the constant problems and struggles that arise throughout life (Peel, 1990).
Ifa is considered to be the most reliable and popular form of divination.
Across the Atlantic
During the period from the late 1500's to the late 1800's, millions of people from Africa including the Yoruba tribes, were forcibly removed from the western coast of the continent and put into slavery. As the Yoruba people crossed the Atlantic ocean, so did their culture, customs, and religion.
From the elements of slavery, Cuba inherited a large population of descendants from the Yoruba peoples. During times of slavery and well into the Castro era Revolution, many practioners of Ifa had to hide and worship the art of divination behind closed doors. Ifa has continued to gain some popularity in the America's, but to this day still struggles with stereoytpes and discrimination against its followers, due to the effects of colonization and the widespread faith of Christianity (Holbraad, 2004).
