The historical and cultural roots of the Yorubas are deep and fascinating. This ethnic group, one of the most renowned in the world, is present in Africa as well as in several Caribbean countries. Even before the term “Yoruba” was widely used, these people were known by other names depending on the places they were located. In Brazil they were called “Nago”, in Cuba “Lucumi”, and in other Spanish and French territories they had other names. In Sierra Leone, they were referred to as “Aku”, while in Portuguese “Terranova” was the term used to designate Yoruba slaves from the west of the Benin region.
The origin of the name “Yoruba” remains subject to debate. Originally, this term was said to have been attributed to people of the Oyo people by the Fulani or Hausa ethnic groups, and meant “cunning”. Interesting to note that “Yarabawa” is the plural form of “Yoruba”, with the singular being “Bayarabe”. Some scholars limit the use of the term “Yoruba” to only the inhabitants of the Oyo Kingdom, while “Yarabawa” or “Yariba” was used by Muslims and Arabic speakers long before the rise of the Oyo Empire. This denomination brought together a group of people rather than a specific political entity. The various literary sources and historical texts indicate that the Yorubas were already identified under this name as early as the 16th century.
The richness of their history and culture is reflected in the diversity of names attributed to the Yoruba over the centuries and in the different regions of the world where they have settled. This ability to adapt and reinvent themselves while retaining their identity is one of the characteristics that make the Yorubas a unique and remarkable people. Their story is a living testimony to the resilience and strength of African communities in the face of the challenges and upheavals of history.
For more information on the origin of the name “Yoruba”, you can visit this external article.