Riddles and Metaphors: The Creation of Meaning

Abstract

This chapter highlights the aesthetic dimension of social communication embedded in Yorùbá riddles popularly referred to as àlọ́ àpamọ̀.¹ Scholars such as William Bascom (1949), Afọlábí Ọlábímtán (1976), Babalọlá Yáì (1977), and Ọlátúndé Ọlátúnjí (1984) have approached the structural aspect of Yorùbá riddles. Their somewhat narrow focus has provided a partial view of the genre although, from my perspective, not the full treatment it deserves. Since I share the same methodological or hermeneutic strategy (metaphor) with the aforementioned scholars, this discussion will benefit from and build on insight provided in their works. However, I intend to move beyond by emphasizing the Yorùbá world-view integrated in the riddles, rather than just examining their specific structure or genre form. My intention is to shed light on certain aspects currently being debated regarding the nature, or very existence, of Yorùbá philosophy.