Ipade: An Extinct Aspect of Traditional Burial Rite among Yoruba Hunters

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Periodical article

Title:	Ipade: An Extinct Aspect of Traditional Burial Rite among Yoruba Hunters
Author:	Olomola, Isola
Year:	1990
Periodical:	Africana Marburgensia
Volume:	23
Issue:	2
Pages:	24-35
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	Yoruba death rites hunting Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Abstract:	This paper examines 'ipade', the climax of the burial rites performed for a deceased hunter by the Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria. In traditional Yoruba society, hunters were highly esteemed and numerous tales depict hunters as men of exceptional character, bravery and endurance. They were accorded special burial rites. As the 'sins' of hunters were innumerable on account of the large number of animals they had killed, many animal sacrifices accompanied their burial. A life-sized effigy, 'ipade', robed in the deceased's vests, was the visible remains of the burial rites that surviving hunters performed for their deceased comrade. Usually many discarded weapons, worn-out vests and other material possessions of the deceased lay in heaps at the feet of these effigies. Ipade was in vogue among the Yoruba up to the 1960s. Presently, hunting has lost most if not all of its traditional importance as a calling. A large percentage of the Yoruba have embraced Islam and Christianity and have jettisoned their traditional beliefs and practices, which were further undermined by Western education. Ref.