by Obotunde Ijimere through several online repositories. This play, published in 1966, is a cornerstone of African literature and explores the Yoruba myth of the creator deity's suffering and redemption.
John Pepper Clark's poem of the same name offers a much shorter, more abstract, and powerful exploration of the myth. The poem was inspired by a batik (a traditional cloth art) by Susanne Wenger, an Austrian-born artist and priestess who dedicated her life to preserving Yoruba sacred art. It evokes the "ritual imprisonment of the God and his subsequent liberation" that was part of Obatala's annual festival in the town of Ẹdẹ. imprisonment of obatala pdf download full
Sacrifice and Responsibility: The motif also highlights sacrifice. Obatala’s confinement—whether for protecting others or as consequence—emphasizes his willingness to bear suffering on behalf of creation. This sacrificial dimension elevates him from artisan to guardian, a being whose pain secures the welfare and moral order of humanity. by Obotunde Ijimere through several online repositories
The Internet Archive frequently hosts digitized versions of out-of-print or classic African Writers Series texts. Users can create a free account to legally "borrow" the digital book and read it in a web browser or secure PDF reader. The poem was inspired by a batik (a
As soon as Obatala is vindicated and his honor restored, the rains fall, women give birth, and prosperity returns to the kingdom. Themes and Cultural Impact
