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217 At the Back of the Black Man's Mind By R. E. Dennett
"With regard to what we do in this world we shall soon come to the entrance gate to the
other world where we shall have to give an account of them all."
Ignorance of letters has prevented the teaching of this system being embodied in a book
for the followers of Yoruba heathenism: but it has been committed to the care of oral
tradition for which the people's well-exercised and strong memories afford a great help,
parental teaching, the influence of the illustration afforded by the punishment awarded
to evil and wrong doers, and the very many parables that enter largely into the language
of the country and which have become in consequence of this an important vehicle of
instruction, and the example of elder before younger people.
It cannot be justly and truly said that this idea of a hereafter has had any influence upon
the people. It is not that it particularly influences their conduct in life. But very
imperfect though it be, yet it certainly witnesses against those of them who riot in
wickedness, injury, wrong and unkindness to their neighbours.
Extract from Astrological Geomancy in Africa, by Professor J. A. Abayomi Cole:-
In those early days of the world's history, when the gods associated with men and
rendered them valiant help in all their struggles for existence, sacrifices were offered
unto them. At these offerings they became so delighted that they came down from
heaven in such great numbers that it was not possible to obtain sufficient meat to
distribute amongst them.
Having cultivated a taste for flesh, and the worshippers not being able to supply all they
demanded, the gods were therefore obliged to resort to various pursuits so that they
might obtain food.
Ifa, the God of Divination, took to fishing.
On a certain day Ifa returned from the sea hungry and exhausted, having caught no fish.
He thereupon consulted the god Elegba (the devil) what to do.
Elegba, in reply, said that there was near the forest a farm belonging to Orunga, the son
of the goddess (Yemaja). It was planted by Odudura, the wife of Obatala (Heaven). It
bore only sixteen nuts, and if Ifa can succeed to obtain the sixteen palm nuts from
Orunga-who now owns the lands-he would, with them, teach him the art of divination,
by which food will be secured for the gods without resorting to labour; for every one
wishing to consult the Oracles will pay a goat, and knowing the anxiety of mankind to
pry into the future, he was sure that the gods would thereby have more flesh than they
would need, stipulating at the same time that the first choice of all such should be his.
Ifa at once proceeded to the farm of Orunga. He bargained for the sixteen palm nuts,
promising in return for them to teach Orunga how to forecast the future, assuring him
that by this knowledge he will become very rich, and at the same time be of great
service to mankind.
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