THE CONCEPT OF ÌWÀ IN YORÙBÁ AESTHETICS

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7443/problemata.v13i1.63183

Keywords:

Yoruba aesthetics, Ìwà, Character, Beauty, Existence

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the concept of ìwà, usually translated as “character”, and its possible implications for the study of Yoruba aesthetics. Starting from the Yoruba proverb that says “ìwà l'ẹwà”, that is, ìwà constitutes beauty, the text will seek to explain in what ways the category that was usually ethical, character (ìwà) was, in Yoruba thought and art, internally linked with the idea of ​​beauty (ẹwà). The relationship between the Yoruba concepts of character and existence will also be analyzed from the point of view of Yoruba art and perception of the orishas, deities with complex relationships with the realm of existence. The paper will also discuss the relationships between beauty and character in the context of a distinction between a microaesthetic and a macroaesthetic; useful ideas for understanding the production, criticism and enjoyment of art among the Yoruba. This approach is intended to contribute to the understanding of the links between ethics and aesthetics in Yoruba Philosophy of Arts.

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References

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Published

2022-06-21

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2022)

Section

Dossiê especial - ESTÉTICA E FILOSOFIA DA ARTE AFRICANA

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Copyright (c) 2022 Rowland Abiodun; Kim Camargo, Wanderson Flor do Nascimento

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