Artist Illustrates New Collection of Yoruba Mythology
Illustrator Data Oruwari brings traditional Yoruba ancestral concepts to life in a new book of myths.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in African-American
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Illustrator Data Oruwari has provided the visual work for the book Yoruba Mythology: Stories of the Oriṣa from West Africa and the Diaspora. The collection explores Yoruba culture and religious traditions spanning regions including Nigeria, Brazil, and Cuba.
Why it matters
Oruwari created these illustrations to make abstract ancestral concepts tangible for modern readers. By utilizing traditional visual language, the project seeks to challenge colonial perspectives on Yoruba culture.
The volume features more than 300 distinct myths and tales. It covers extensive cultural and religious history across Nigeria, Brazil, and Cuba.
The players
Data Oruwari
Data Oruwari is an illustrator born in Nigeria who focuses on making ancestral concepts tangible for contemporary audiences.
Ayodeji and Oludamini Ogunnaike
Ayodeji and Oludamini Ogunnaike are the authors who compiled the research and stories for the book.
The details
Data Oruwari drew creative inspiration from traditional Yoruba carvers, specifically Iwin of Iṣẹ, Areogun, and Lamidi Fakeye. To develop the aesthetic, the illustrator studied reference materials provided by authors Ayodeji and Oludamini Ogunnaike.
Timeline
2015: Data Oruwari began a personal journey of self-discovery.
Culture Shift
This project contributes to the ongoing post-colonial revaluation of African art by restoring indigenous visual languages to spiritual narratives. It signals a broader cultural trend of reclaiming and centering traditional aesthetics in the documentation of diaspora histories.
Readers can engage with these traditional stories to deepen their understanding of Yoruba religious history and art. The book serves as a resource for those looking to connect with West African traditions that continue to influence culture in Brazil and Cuba.
The takeaway
Understanding the visual history of the Yoruba people helps bridge the gap between ancient traditions and the modern diaspora. Readers can use these stories to explore how ancestral narratives remain relevant in contemporary society.
Further reading
Discover more about cultural preservation in our African-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by C-VILLE Weekly.
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