| Abstract
|
:
|
Historical sites – mainly shrines, groves, and other places of significance – are common features of the ancient city of Ilé-Ifè. Some of the various traditions supporting the existence of these sites are full of mysteries that generate tremendous awe among the local inhabitants. However, the traditions give deeper insights into the history of the people and their leaders, some of who became deified. In the same vein, the traditions provide a goldmine of information on the culture and belief-system of the people, the challenges that they faced at different times, and how these challenges were surmounted. In most cases, the sites serve as a reminder of the exploits of the deified individuals with a view to appreciating their contributions to the existence or survival and growth of their community. This perhaps explains the rationale behind the celebration of festivals to commemorate the achievements of these legendary heroes and heroines. However, despite the efforts being made to preserve these sites, it would seem that some of them are changing in status due to certain developments taking place in society. Examined here are some of these sites, their nature and the changes that have taken place or are taking place, bringing out, in the process, the causative factors as well as the consequences. The essay concludes with an examination of the implications of this development on the study of Yorùbá history, culture, and religion.
|