Photography: Will Coleman, Ph.D.
The opon ifa (divination board that is used that is used during the process of dafa [interpretation]). Also, it represents interactions between the macrocosm and microcosm of spiritual and physical realities. The ubiquitous presence of esu around the circumference of the board demonstrates his essential role in communication between all realms of life.
ORIENTATION AND OVERVIEW
This text and course is an introductory presentation of one of several sacred West African spiritual traditions. It is commonly known as Ifa. More specifically, it is called Isese. It originated in modern day Nigeria among the Yoruba people. It is a spirituality that spread during the transatlantic slave trade throughout parts of the African Diaspora in the Americas (Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico) in different forms (e.g., Candomble, Lucumi, Santeria, Haitian vodou, etc.)
My (Dr. Will Coleman) journey began 67 years ago within a home and community where respect for ancestors and elders was important. I was born in Memphis, Tenn.
This Ifa textbook was created by Will Coleman, Ph.D. (Baba Esuyemi Ifayemi), Associate Professor at the Interdenominational Theological Center, and Awo Fa'lokun Fatunmbi, with assistance from Brad Ost, Head of Reference Services and Theological Librarian at the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library. Funding for this project was provided through a generous grant from Atla, Collectors and Connectors in Religion & Theology.
Dedicated to:
Oba Adebolu Fatunmise, my initiator and the person who charged me to take this to the world in 2006, two years before his elevation,
Baba Medahochi Kofi Zannu, who was a teacher, friend, and early "ambassador" of bringing Ifa, etc., to African Americans,
Lynne St. Clair Darden, Ph.D., my late colleague who "called me out" to teach African Traditional Religion at the Interdenominational Theological Center.