This show will be available national and internationally from September 2008. It is also Osun Arts Foundation's contribution to Liverpool's European Capital of Culture Celebrations in the UK in 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pantheon of Deities

Dance of the Gods

The charismatic Pantheon of Deities performance, which is accompanied by our educational workshops, gives the audience the opportunity to witness some of the West African cultural values and norms. It features dynamic dance routines, powerful drumming and elaborate traditional costumes. Whilst being great fun, it also takes the audience on to an educational journey.

 

Theme Background

The Yorubas believe that a collection of deities called lesser gods directly surround God in the heavens. Humans cannot approach God directly, they tend to reach out to god through deities, such as Ogun God of Iron and Sango God of Thunder, each of whom are believed to have affinities in particular areas of life. Yoruba likewise believe that some powerfully spiritual people do not completely leave this world when the body passes away. These spirits, known as Egungun or ancestors, are tended through a special priest who keeps shrines to the ancestors. It is during annul festivities, and sometimes in times of community need that these spirits (Egungun) come down to earth and come out in the form of masquerades to visit and reassert their spiritual presence.