Cultural Interaction: An Overview of the Interconnectivity Between Jewish and Yoruba Traditional Cultures

Abstract

Culture is probably one of the most important social factors in human existence and it has its roots in the history of a people and defines the identity of the group. It is said to be the complex whole of man’s acquisition of knowledge, morals, beliefs, arts, customs and technology, which are shared and transmitted from generation to generation. This paper delves into the interaction between the cultures of Biblical Jews and Yoruba of Africa. It further explores the possibility of historical contact between the two societies which engendered the pronounced interconnectivity and convergence of culture. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach incorporating historical, anthropological and socio-cultural methodologies to objectively reconstruct the relevant events of the past through analysis, synthesis and verification. This among other things should enhance peaceful co-existence and socio-economic development between the two societies. The paper discovers that cultural interaction and interconnectivity as we have it between the two societies and this should serve as a catalyst for peaceful co-existence which in turn encourages bilateral developmental activities. It recommended that the two societies under study should discard cultural practices that are harmful to humanity, especially that constraint development. On the other hand, cultural practices which engender development and peaceful co-existence are promoted.