The Yoruba Civilisation at the British Museum

What is the course about?

This course introduces students to the history of the Yoruba people, the Oyo Empire, and the lesser Yoruba kingdoms using the artefacts in the British Museum’s Africa collection. Centred around key items in the collection, students will learn about the rise of one of Africa’s leading civilisations, how Yoruba kingdoms were organised politically, socially, and economically, and how they evolved in response to internal and external pressures. Key to this will be using the artefacts to explore various aspects of West African life and customs through the ages, with a particular focus on religious life, military traditions, and kingly image-making. There will also be an opportunity to reflect on the collection itself, and how its acquisition and discussions about its future feed into Africa’s history.

Tutor: Following a successful career in the legal profession, Apeike returned to her passion for African history, and now teaches different subjects in this field at the City Lit and the University of Cambridge.  

What will we cover?

The course will use the museum’s collection (subject to what’s on display) to explore topics such as:

• The origins of the Yoruba at Ile-Ife
• The Yoruba kingdoms, their cultural unity, and civil wars.
• The rise and fall of the Oyo Empire in Yorubaland.
• Court life, and the role of the Alaafin (King) and Oyo Mesi (kingmakers).
• Yoruba religion, military organisation, and civil administration.
• Yoruba life and customs including ideas on femininity, masculinity, and childhood.
• Religious tolerance and Yoruba identity.
• Yoruba material culture, fashion, and ceremony.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

By the end of this course, students should understand:

• Yoruba forms of government and social organisation from the tenth century onwards.
• political, social, economic, and military developments in Yorubaland.
• the rise and fall of the Oyo Empire and other Yoruba Kingdoms.
• the origins and debates surrounding the museum’s Yoruba collection.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is suitable for complete beginners or those with a curiosity about the topic. A good standard of English and a willingness to engage respectfully in class debates and discussions with both learners and the tutor are essential.   

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will take place at the British Museum and will be a mixture of lecture, exploring the collection, and group discussion centred on items in the collection.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No. Pen and paper if you wish to take notes.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

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