Ọ̀yọ́túnjí Village the preservation and adaptation of Yorùbá Culture in the United States diaspora

Abstract

This article explores Ọ̀yọ́túnjí Village, an African American community in South Carolina, which stands out as a paradigmatic example of the preservation and adaptation of Yorùbá traditions outside the African continent. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, the study analyzes the historical context of the Yorùbá diaspora, the founding and development of the village, and the cultural and religious practices that characterize it. Through detailed analysis, the article highlights the importance of Ọ̀yọ́túnjí in American religious diversity, showing how the community contributes to pluralism and mutual understanding among different religious traditions. However, the study also examines the significant challenges faced by the community, such as economic sustainability and social acceptance, and the innovative strategies adopted to ensure the continuity and vitality of its cultural and religious traditions. By addressing the resilience and capacity for reinvention of Ọ̀yọ́túnjí Village, the article offers a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious dynamics in the African diaspora. The analysis not only underscores the importance of preserving Yorùbá traditions but also acknowledges the crucial role of these communities in shaping a more inclusive and diverse cultural and religious landscape in the Americas.