ọrọwa

Yoruba

Etymology

From ọrọ́ +‎ ọwá

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɔ̄.ɾɔ́.wá/

Noun

ọrọ́wá

1. a central large inward-facing, typically open roof, hall or courtyard that serves as the main connective and activity space for a dwelling.

   Synonyms: káà, àkòdì

2. (Ekiti) The center location of a traditional Èkìtì/Central Yorùbá home, consisting of a bathtub structure that is over an open hole in the house that collects water. Analogous to the Roman impluvium.

   Synonym: àkòdì

Derived terms

• ilé ọrọ́wá (“A home with an ọrọ́wá”)
• ulé ọrọ́wá (“A home with an ọrọ́wá”)

 

Further reading

• Adeokun, Cynthia O.The Orowa House: A Typology of Traditional Yoruba Architecture in Ile-Ife, Nigeria [1], 2013
• Fọlárànmí, Stephen Palace Courtyards in Iléṣà: A Melting Point of Traditional Yorùbá Architecture [2], 2018