Exploring Yoruba Art and Cultural Heritage: A Quiz on Historical Artifacts

1. What is the significance of the Yoruba 'Obafulon' mask from the 12-15th century Nigeria Bronze?

The mask was used in traditional Yoruba wedding ceremonies.

The mask was created for purely decorative purposes.

The mask represents a deity worshiped by the Yoruba people.

The Yoruba 'Obafulon' mask holds historical significance as it portrays an early ruler and symbolizes leadership and power within the Yoruba community. The mask is not associated with deity worship, wedding ceremonies, or purely decorative purposes.

Explanation

The Yoruba 'Obafulon' mask holds historical significance as it portrays an early ruler and symbolizes leadership and power within the Yoruba community. The mask is not associated with deity worship, wedding ceremonies, or purely decorative purposes.

2. What is the significance of the Yoruba Ife ritual vessel from 13th-14th c. Nigeria?

Ancient Egyptian funerary statue from 18th dynasty

Mayan ceremonial pottery from 10th century Guatemala

Chinese Ming dynasty porcelain vase from 15th century

The Yoruba Ife ritual vessel from Nigeria depicts the head of the Oni with two abstract heads symbolizing inner essence and an altar. The snake featured symbolizes magical beings that can exist on two planes, the spiritual and material worlds. The hole on the bottom suggests it was used for pouring special liquids as a sacrificial offering.

Explanation

The Yoruba Ife ritual vessel from Nigeria depicts the head of the Oni with two abstract heads symbolizing inner essence and an altar. The snake featured symbolizes magical beings that can exist on two planes, the spiritual and material worlds. The hole on the bottom suggests it was used for pouring special liquids as a sacrificial offering.

3. Who is Yoruba?

A style of music originating from the Caribbean islands

A traditional African dish made with a blend of spices and meat

An ancient Greek philosopher known for his teachings on ethics and morality

Yoruba refers to Ife the 24th Oba of Ila in 1980's Nigeria, who is depicted in heavy clothing and a crown symbolizing kingship and power, with intricate details related to Yoruba culture and symbolism.

Explanation

Yoruba refers to Ife the 24th Oba of Ila in 1980's Nigeria, who is depicted in heavy clothing and a crown symbolizing kingship and power, with intricate details related to Yoruba culture and symbolism.

4. What is the significance of Yoruba Ogboni Couple (staffs) 19th c. Nigeria?

A form of traditional Yoruba dance

An ancient Yoruba language

A type of Yoruba cuisine

The Yoruba Ogboni Couple staffs actually represent the attachment of the sexes in procreation and balanced society, and are placed in front of an ogboni shrine in Nigeria.

Explanation

The Yoruba Ogboni Couple staffs actually represent the attachment of the sexes in procreation and balanced society, and are placed in front of an ogboni shrine in Nigeria.

5. What is the significance of the Yoruba Eshu Dance Wand collected in Nigeria in 1958?

The Yoruba Eshu Dance Wand was a religious symbol representing the sun god in Yoruba mythology.

The Yoruba Eshu Dance Wand was a weapon used in tribal warfare in Nigeria.

The Yoruba Eshu Dance Wand was used for everyday household chores in traditional Yoruba society.

The Yoruba Eshu Dance Wand holds significant cultural and religious symbolism as it represents the trickster god Eshu, his role in communication, and ties to wealth and royal symbolism. It is not associated with everyday chores, warfare, or the sun god in Yoruba society.

Explanation

The Yoruba Eshu Dance Wand holds significant cultural and religious symbolism as it represents the trickster god Eshu, his role in communication, and ties to wealth and royal symbolism. It is not associated with everyday chores, warfare, or the sun god in Yoruba society.

6. Who is the god of thunder worshipped through the Yoruba Shango shine figure from 19th century Nigeria?

Obatala

Yemoja

Ogun

The Yoruba Shango shine figure represents Shango, the god of thunder who is worshipped by the Yoruba people. Shango is known for burning down his house and hanging himself, ultimately becoming a deity.

Explanation

The Yoruba Shango shine figure represents Shango, the god of thunder who is worshipped by the Yoruba people. Shango is known for burning down his house and hanging himself, ultimately becoming a deity.

7. What is the significance of Yoruba Ibeji figures from Nigeria?

Yoruba Ibeji figures are used for ancestor worship in Nigeria.

Yoruba Ibeji figures are used in traditional healing ceremonies in Nigeria.

Yoruba Ibeji figures are used as symbols of wealth and status in Nigerian society.

Yoruba Ibeji figures are unique cultural artifacts that hold special significance in Yoruba society, particularly in relation to the belief in twin births and the care of twins.

Explanation

Yoruba Ibeji figures are unique cultural artifacts that hold special significance in Yoruba society, particularly in relation to the belief in twin births and the care of twins.

8. What is depicted on the Palace Doors from early 20th century Osi-Llorin, Nigeria by sculptor Arowogon?

A) Egyptian Pharaohs hunting in the desert.

B) Chinese emperors receiving tribute from foreign dignitaries.

C) Maori warriors engaged in a traditional haka dance.

The Palace Doors depict a Yoruba king in profile seated, with eshu about to grab his crown, showing playfulness and greed, also on a bike on each door, often seen with a Pipe, representing traditional and modern authority. The other options are incorrect as they do not match the description of the actual artwork.

Explanation

The Palace Doors depict a Yoruba king in profile seated, with eshu about to grab his crown, showing playfulness and greed, also on a bike on each door, often seen with a Pipe, representing traditional and modern authority. The other options are incorrect as they do not match the description of the actual artwork.