Principles of Representation in the Traditional Yoruba Kingdom

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Periodical article

Title:	Principles of Representation in the Traditional Yoruba Kingdom
Author:	Munoz, Louis J.
Year:	1977
Periodical:	Journal of the Historical Society of Nigeria
Volume:	9
Issue:	1
Period:	December
Pages:	15-35
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	Yoruba polities Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) History and Exploration
Abstract:	The author tries to analyse one of the two principles of representation found in the Yoruba political system which correspond to two different forms of articulation; a first one, which gives rise to the government of the kingdom (with the oba as its head) and which could be termed 'state' for this purpose; a second one, consequence of the articulation of the individuals into lineages among themelves, which may be called 'society'. The oba then represents the state through his symbolic representation, in its dynastic, 'international' and sacred aspects. On the other hand, political representation strictly speaking belongs both to the oba and the chiefs. This can only be understood after studying the complex spectrum of interactions that exist between them. Ref., fig.