AGEMO MASQUERADER – A fetish mat dancer from the Ijebu region of Nigeria. It is believed by its followers to be a divine being
AMULET – An object believed to bring good luck to its owner
ANKARA – A cloth, which originated from Ghana, with vibrant patterns of festive, colorful pattern designs and/or symbols. In some parts of Africa, certain families or communities wear the same Ankara pattern for social events and celebrations.
APALA MUSIC – A percussion-based musical genre derived from the Yoruba people of Nigeria
BAOBAB TREE – Known as the tree of life, the baobab provides food, clothing and water for human inhabitants of the African savannah. It has been called the “upside down tree,” because it is leafless most of the year and looks as if its roots are in the air.
BEMBE – A type of drum that imitates speech and tonal quality
BREADFRUIT TREE – A flowering tree that grows in tropical climates
CALABASH – a beverage container made from a dried, tubular squash
EGUSI SOUP – A West African stew made of melon seeds
GARRI – A West African staple food made of cassava (a root vegetable)
IGUNNUKO MASQUERADERS – Dancers dressed in cylindrical robes of varying colors and shape. While performing, an Igunnuko (believed by followers to be a deity) can reach a height of twenty-five to thirty feet high and can descend to two feet.
JUJU – A word used to describe West African spiritual traditions and beliefs in the supernatural
KOBO – A monetary unit of Nigeria; 100 kobos equal one Naira
KUREKURE – A twirling, acrobatic style dance performed by a short Igunnuko (see above description)
NAIRA – The currency of Nigeria
SHUKU HAIRSTYLE – A series of intricately woven braids, popular among Yoruba women.
A TOUT – A British expression for any person who aggressively solicits business in highly-populated areas
VICARAGE – The residence of a vicar
YORUBA – One of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa
ZONAL VICAR – A representative or deputy of a municipality or religious order