Examining the Role of Aso Ebi (Family Cloth) in Strengthening Communal Identity and Family Bonding among the Yorubas of Nigeria (Published)
Aso-Ebi (Family Cloth) is a long-standing cultural practice among the Yoruba people of Southwestern Nigeria. It involves the wearing of uniform fabrics by family members, friends, associates or social groups during social events or ceremonies such as wedding, naming, and house warming, among others. Its aesthetic and ceremonial value is widely acknowledged. This paper examines the role of Aso-Ebi (Family Cloth) in fostering communal belonging, reinforcing kinship ties and sustaining intergenerational cultural continuity among Yoruba families. The work relies on qualitative analysis to address its focus; Data were sourced from books, journals, newspapers, magazines and other relevant historical documents. The paper makes clarifications of some concepts such as Aso-Ebi and family bonding and cultural identity. Despite the benefits derived from Aso-Ebi, some of its challenges will be examined. Findings revealed that Aso-Ebi significantly enhances feelings of group identity, increases social participation in events and strengthens emotional bonds among family members. The paper concludes that Aso-Ebi remains a vital cultural symbol that reinforces unity and preserves Yoruba cultural heritage. Hence the paper suggests encouraging affordability, reducing social pressure and promoting cultural awareness to maintain the traditional values of Aso-Ebi.
Keywords: Aso-Ebi, Yoruba, communal identity., family, family bonding
Ethnomusicological Enquiry into Contemporary Indigenously Inclined Ìjálá Music in Yoruba Land (Published)
Yoruba social music appeal to traditional audience who are accustomed to the conventional property embedded in it. The appeal facilitates an increasing number of traditionally inclined social music practitioners who are gradually directing their efforts towards the creation of new form of ensemble music. Ethnographic method of data collection used in the study revealed that Ìjálá genre is text-based with symbolic use of words and allusion varying from place to place. It is monophonic in concept and the subject is centered on praise and adoration. It is seen as a verbal tool in the context of Ìjálá performances. The finding reveals the functional process of oral genre from place to place within a family or otherwise. Information on the use of Ìjálá music for different occasions was significant to the study. It further reveals the healing process of the oral genre.