Numerical Symbols as Paradigm of Intracultural Trace Element of Relationship in Between Ifá and Ayò-Ọlọ́pọ́n among the Yoruba of South-West in Nigeria

Abstract

Ifá, the deity of wisdom and divination, and ayò-ọlọ́pọ́n- indigenous board game are indigenous Yoruba cultural elements with international nomenclatures. However, despite the global cultural recognition of Ifá and ayò ọlọ́pọ́n, no research is known to the author that either accounts for the symbolism of ayò ọlọ́ pọ́ n numerology or relate Ifá numerology to ayò ọlọ́pọ́n. Therefore, the objective of the study is to establish Ifa and ayò-ọlọ́pọ́n memes. The study makes use of literary texts, Ifá literary corpus, and ayò ọlọ́pọ́n texts and the author's observation and analyzed with symbolism, a semiotic mode, where a symbol represents something, or somebody in one or more capacities is adopted because Ifá system operates around symbolism. It is found that there are nexus numbers around geometric progression and indices in ratios 4 and 5, in between ayò ọlọ́ pọ́ n and Ifá training numerology around pre-initiation, initiation, and postinitiation stages, Yoruba divinities, and calendars. The study concludes that ayò ọlọ́ pọ́ n and Ifá numerology are memes.