The debate on games and plays as universal phenomena is now irrelevant. Every climes of the world is known with its specifics. Yorubaland is no exception to this. The Yoruba engages in ìjàkadì, ayò ọlọ́pọ́n, òkìtì títa , búúrú, bojú-bojú, bọ́ọ́kọ-bọ́ọ̀kọ, párá-onídèmodè, sansalùbọ́, gbádìí-gbádìí, tẹ̀ẹ̀tẹ́ and others. It is however regrettable that the Yoruba Indigenous Games and Plays (IGPs) has given way to the foreign ones – notably, Western model as badminton, athletics, chess, football, basketball, hockey, volleyball, table tennis and others – which continues to addict them. This has been blamed on global exchange of culture for which the Yoruba had been at the receiving side. Using the descriptive and analytical modes of historical interpretation, the findings of this study validated that the Yoruba have distinctive games and plays which firmly connects with their cultural needs and environmental circumstances. The paper concludes that Yoruba IGPs should not be relegated especially with the current economic recession; it could be another source of income generation to the nation. Moreover, it can serve as a veritable unidentified weapon for combating crime. Therefore, it should be revisited and reviewed to world standard.
Table of Contents
- Foreword
- Introduction
- Conceptual Clarifications
- Play
- Game
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to examine Yoruba Indigenous Games and Plays (IGPs), exploring their historical significance and cultural relevance within the context of Yoruba society. It investigates how these games connect to cultural needs and environmental circumstances, while also considering the impact of the introduction of Western games and sports. The study further assesses the potential of IGPs as a source of economic generation and crime prevention.
- The historical development and cultural significance of Yoruba Indigenous Games and Plays.
- The relationship between Yoruba IGPs and the socio-cultural environment.
- The impact of Western games and sports on Yoruba traditional games.
- The potential of Yoruba IGPs for economic development and crime reduction.
- The conceptual clarification of "play" and "game" within the Yoruba context.
Chapter Summaries
Foreword: The foreword sets the stage by highlighting the uniqueness of Yoruba Indigenous Games and Plays (IGPs) and laments their decline due to the influence of Western games. It emphasizes the importance of preserving these traditional games for cultural preservation, economic benefit, and crime prevention, arguing they represent a distinct cultural identity inextricably linked to Yoruba needs and environment.
Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of play and games within the context of Yoruba society, exploring the developmental stages of individuals and their engagement in play throughout their lifespan. It discusses the distinction between "sport" (a Western concept) and indigenous games and plays, highlighting how traditional Yoruba activities served similar purposes to modern sports. The chapter also addresses the challenges of researching these traditional games due to limited documentation and the need to define “play” and “game” in their cultural context. It highlights the work of scholars like John Blacking, emphasizing the integration of physical activities into Yoruba social life and their role in creativity and adaptation. The lack of available information on pre-colonial Yoruba games and sports is acknowledged, while proposing a focus on indigenous physical activities as "Indigenous Games and Plays (IGPs)," acknowledging the limitations of this approach.
Conceptual Clarifications: This section delves into the definitions of "play" and "game" as understood within the context of the study. The chapter draws on various scholarly perspectives to define "play," emphasizing its spontaneous, active, creative, and often serious nature, especially for children. The concept of "game" is examined, its competitive and multifaceted nature is discussed and its significance as a defining characteristic of humanity is explored. The chapter highlights the importance of considering the local context when defining these terms and emphasizes the multifunctional roles of play and games within traditional Yoruba society, extending beyond mere pastimes.
Keywords
Yoruba Indigenous Games and Plays (IGPs), traditional games, cultural preservation, Western sports, economic development, crime prevention, play, game, historical interpretation, cultural identity, socio-cultural environment.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Yoruba Indigenous Games and Plays
What is the main focus of this study?
This study focuses on Yoruba Indigenous Games and Plays (IGPs), examining their historical significance, cultural relevance within Yoruba society, and their connection to cultural needs and environmental circumstances. It also investigates the impact of Western games and sports and explores the potential of IGPs for economic generation and crime prevention.
What are the key themes explored in this study?
Key themes include the historical development and cultural significance of Yoruba IGPs; the relationship between these games and the socio-cultural environment; the impact of Western games and sports on Yoruba traditions; the potential of IGPs for economic development and crime reduction; and a conceptual clarification of "play" and "game" within the Yoruba context.
What is covered in the Introduction chapter?
The Introduction introduces the concept of play and games in Yoruba society, exploring developmental stages and engagement in play throughout a lifespan. It differentiates between "sport" (a Western concept) and indigenous games, highlighting the purposes served by traditional Yoruba activities. It addresses research challenges due to limited documentation and defines "play" and "game" within their cultural context, referencing relevant scholars like John Blacking. The chapter acknowledges the lack of pre-colonial information and proposes a focus on indigenous physical activities as "Indigenous Games and Plays (IGPs)."
What does the chapter on "Conceptual Clarifications" discuss?
This section provides definitions of "play" and "game" within the study's context, drawing on scholarly perspectives. It emphasizes the spontaneous, active, creative, and serious nature of play, especially for children. The competitive and multifaceted nature of "game" is examined, highlighting its significance as a defining characteristic of humanity. The importance of considering local context when defining these terms and their multifunctional roles within Yoruba society are emphasized.
What are the main arguments presented in the Foreword?
The Foreword highlights the uniqueness of Yoruba IGPs and laments their decline due to Western influence. It emphasizes preserving these traditions for cultural preservation, economic benefit, and crime prevention, arguing they represent a distinct cultural identity linked to Yoruba needs and environment.
What are the chapter summaries included in this preview?
The preview includes summaries for the Foreword, Introduction, and Conceptual Clarifications chapters, providing an overview of the key arguments and topics discussed in each section.
What keywords are associated with this study?
Keywords include Yoruba Indigenous Games and Plays (IGPs), traditional games, cultural preservation, Western sports, economic development, crime prevention, play, game, historical interpretation, cultural identity, and socio-cultural environment.
What is the overall goal of this study?
The overall goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of Yoruba Indigenous Games and Plays, their cultural significance, and their potential for social and economic benefit within contemporary Yoruba society.
- Quote paper
- Mr. Afeez Tope Raji (Author), 2019, A Retrospective of Yoruba Indigenous Games and Plays, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/506240
