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All the United States South Carolina Seabrook Oyotunji African Village

Oyotunji African Village

North America's oldest authentic African Village.

Seabrook, South Carolina

Added By
Allison Eng
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Kingdom of Oyotunji logo.   http://www.oyotunjiafricanvillage.org/modu...
Kingdom of Oyotunji logo.   http://www.oyotunjiafricanvillage.org/modu...
Entrance to the village.   http://www.oyotunjiafricanvillage.org/modu...
Coronation of HRM Oba Adegbolu Adefunmi II, July 4, 2005.   http://www.oyotunjiafricanvillage.org/modu...
Coronation.   http://www.oyotunjiafricanvillage.org/modu...
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
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About

In the swamp lands of Sheldon, South Carolina, stands an authentic Yoruba village founded in the 1970s by Oba Oseijeman Adefunmi I. His followers came from New York, Chicago, and Indiana to establish the Kingdom of Oyotunji, now the oldest genuine African Village in North America, with the aim of reigniting African culture.

The fewer than 50 residents (a sharp decrease from a population that once numbered 200) of the village follow a mixture of the customs and traditions of Yoruba and Fon cultures, living in simple shacks, wearing traditional West African garments, and following religious counseling and training. The entire village is over 10 acres and holds assorted structures such as open-air shrines, courtyards, and a traditional bazaar that sells handmade artwork, jewelry, herbs, and clothing made by the residents.

King Adefunmi II lives in Afin, the royal palace with his wives and children. He still practices the tradition of ritual facial scarring that is customary for kings, but has given up certain traditions such as animal sacrifice.

Though the residents have come to rely on basic amenities such as electricity and indoor plumbing, they still try to live a simple as possible, relying on tourists to keep the economy afloat as well as the village priests who give lectures at local high schools, colleges, and universities.

Related Tags

Cultures And Civilizations Wondrous Performances Lost Tribes

Community Contributors

Added By

AllisonEng

Edited By

gordoninontario, Diana Alsobrook, juliastjohn, Collector of Experiences

  • gordoninontario
  • Diana Alsobrook
  • juliastjohn
  • Collector of Experiences

Published

January 25, 2011

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Sources
  • Oyotunji African Village: www.oyotunjiafricanvillage.org
  • Wikipedia: Oyotunjihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyotunji
  • Roots and Rooted: "It Takes an African Village in S.C." (March 2009): http://www.rootsandrooted.org/?p=839
Oyotunji African Village
Kingdom of Oyotunji Yoruba African Village
56 Bryant Lane
Seabrook, South Carolina, 29940
United States
32.609938, -80.802906
Visit Website
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Old Sheldon Church Ruins

Yemassee, South Carolina

miles away

Kazoobie Kazoo Museum

Beaufort, South Carolina

miles away

Haint Blue Porch Ceilings

Beaufort, South Carolina

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of South Carolina

South Carolina

United States

Places 102
Stories 15

Nearby Places

Old Sheldon Church Ruins

Yemassee, South Carolina

miles away

Kazoobie Kazoo Museum

Beaufort, South Carolina

miles away

Haint Blue Porch Ceilings

Beaufort, South Carolina

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of South Carolina

South Carolina

United States

Places 102
Stories 15

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