Ethnographic trip to southern Nigeria: Yoruba country and Lagos

Discover the highlights of this ethnographic trip to southern Nigeria

► Canoe tour through the Makoko neighborhood in Lagos

The itinerary will begin in the eccentric capital of Lagos, with a canoe visit to the Makoko lake district, which is built on stilts. This neighborhood features a fascinating mix of ancient voodoo traditions and fishing communities.

► We will witness ceremonies and masquerades of the Orisha religion

Egungun masquerade

In Oshogbo we will witness the liberation of the Egungun, the spirits of the ancestors, figures respected and feared by the community.

Geledes mask dance

The Gelede mask dance aims to pay tribute to the primordial mother, as well as praise the role that women play in Yoruba society.

Egunuko Spirits

We will witness the release of the Egunuko spirits, masks up to 3 meters high that perform the function of protecting the town.

Twins ceremony

We will attend a twins ceremony, who play a special role in Yoruba society.

► We will explore the Yoruba country to understand their worldview

Abeokuta

In this ancient city (19th century) our immersion in Yoruba culture will begin by visiting the impressive Olumo Rock. This rocky mountain is considered sacred according to the Orisha religion. We will visit the fetish market, an Orisha temple, the royal palace of Alaka and walk through the Afro-Brazilian neighborhood, full of richly decorated historical buildings. Also, we will visit the mosque and the Itoke market, famous for its textiles and tailors.

Ife

This city was built on the ashes of the ancient Kingdom of Ife. Here the evolved Yoruba agricultural civilization developed in the 10th century, as well as a colorful and mystical universe of voodoo deities. We will visit the Oba royal palace, the mysterious Opa Oranmiyan stela and the Oduduwa temple-altar. We will have the opportunity to admire some ancient terracotta objects from about 1000 years ago.

Oshogbo

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

We will walk through the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Groove (UNESCO World Heritage Site). In it is the pantheon of the Orishas, among which a special place is reserved for the protective and benevolent goddess Osun. We will also observe numerous sculptural works by Susanne Wenger.

Visit to the Susanne Wenger House

We will visit the house where this Yoruba artist and priestess lived. She was a leading advocate for the preservation and reconstruction of the Sacred Forest.

Ijebu Ode

In this city we will enjoy the Afro-Brazilian vestiges, the royal palace, British colonial architecture and several extravagant buildings linked to the golden age of the cocoa trade.

© Photos by Jordi Zaragozà Anglès, Aníbal BuenoandJorge Fernández taken during an ethnographic trip to southern Nigeria.

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