Ifa

See also: ifa and IFA

Igala

Etymology

From Proto-Yoruboid *ɪ́-fá, Ifa divination can be traced linguistically to Volta-Niger, see Proto-Volta-Niger *-fa, however the ultimately etymology of the root is of unknown origin. Cognates exist across Volta-Niger languages, see Igbo Afa, Ede Idaca Ifa, Ewe Afá, Fon Fá, Igala Ífá, Edo Iha, Ebira Eva, Urhobo Epha, and Nupe Eba. Several theories exist among worshippers of Ifá and the Odù Ifá.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /í.fá/

Noun

Ífá

1. A complex system of divination in Igala traditional religion (Ìchẹbọ, Ògwùchẹ́kwọ̀)
2. a form of ocular proverbial speech utilized by Ífá priests

Proper noun

Ífá

1. the spirit or deity associated with prophecy and divination

Derived terms

• b'ifá (“to consult the Ifa oracle”)
• ùbifá (“Ifa priest; babalawo”)

Related terms

• ẹ́bọ (“deity”)
• ìbégwú (“ancestral spirit”)

Yoruba

Etymology

From Proto-Yoruboid *ɪ́-fá, Ifa divination can be traced linguistically to Volta-Niger, see Proto-Volta-Niger *-fa, however the ultimately etymology of the root is of unknown origin. Cognates exist across Volta-Niger languages, see Igbo Afa, Ewe Afá, Fon Fá, Igala Ífá, Edo Iha, Ebira Eva, Urhobo Epha, and Nupe Eba. Several theories exist among worshippers of Ifá

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ī.fá/
• (Èkìtì) IPA^(key): /ɪ̄.fá/

Noun

Ifá

1. A complex system of divination in Yoruba religion.

Proper noun

Ifá

1. the spirit associated with divination, wisdom, and the oracle
2. Synonym of Ọ̀rúnmìlà
3. Synonym of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe (“Yoruba religion”)

See also

• (principal signs of the Ifa divination system) ojú odù; Ogbè, Ọ̀yẹ̀kú, Ìwòrì, Òdí, Ìrosùn, Ọ̀wọ́nrín, Ọ̀bàrà, Ọ̀kànràn, Ògúndá, Ọ̀sá, Ìká, Òtúúrúpọ̀n, Òtúrá, Ìrẹtẹ̀, Ọ̀sẹ́, Òfún ^{(Category: yo:Divination)}