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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Reality and meaning: a review of the Yoruba concept of Esu
Author:Lawuyi, Olatunde B.ISNI
Year:1986
Periodical:Afrika und Übersee: Sprachen, Kulturen
Volume:69
Issue:2
Pages:299-311
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:African religions
deities
Yoruba
Abstract:Analysis of the cultural meaning of Esu, the Yoruba god of evil, in terms of its symbolic syntax. The view of Esu as a trickster or a symbol of situational uncertainties is questioned. It might well be that Esu uses any kind of strategy in order to fulfil its mission of restructuring social relations. In this paper, however, Esu is the alter ego of the powerful. It exists to reinforce leadership power rather than alter or destroy it. Consequently, it is the representation of a wish and/or a desire that is constituted into a belief. Bibliogr., notes.
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