Egungun in 1855
“The olôrisà were accustomed to prostrate before beings from the spirit world, the Egúngún. James White, Egba catechist at Otta, was visiting Ajaka the drummer' in 1855. There he learnt that the Éégun (Egúngún) were out. He went to see if they were different from those he had experienced in Sierra Leone. He found that those olôris who wanted messages from deceased relatives prostrated before them and made offerings. In return the Egungun saluted the people and blessed them. Presumably this was not unfamiliar to him.37 Likewise in 1859 William Allen, an Egba catechist back as a freed slave from Sierra Leone, met at the Iporo market in Abeokuta an Egúngún, known in Sierra Leone as an "Aku devil". The Egúngún appeared, blessed the people and received cowries. To receive a blessing an old man prostrated himself. He too had been enslaved (in the Aibò war with the Egba).”
Peter McKenzie
Hail Orisha!
A Phenomenology of a west African Religion in the Mid Nineteenth Century
Egungun, a vital aspect of West African religion, serves as a medium between the living and the spirit world. In 1855, James White's exploration revealed how the Egungun's blessings were central to community life. Participants, including those enslaved, would prostrate themselves to receive blessings, reflecting deep ancestral ties and respect for spiritual entities. The practice of making offerings to the Egungun emphasizes the interaction of social and religious dynamics in a historical context. These encounters illustrate how spirituality informed everyday actions, fostering a connection to the past while addressing contemporary needs. As the Egungun tradition continues to evolve today, its historical significance remains influential, showing resilience in preserving cultural identity and continuity within the community. Insights from figures like William Allen further illustrate its impact, revealing the Egungun as a symbol of hope and a bridge to the past. Overall, understanding these cultural nuances from 1855 enhances our appreciation for the intricacies of West African spirituality.
