Iwalewa Books recently published a new book on Yoruba mythology titled Who’s Who in the Yoruba Pantheon. The book is written by Peju Akande, Jahman Anikulapo and Toni Kan, with illustrations by Abdulkareem Baba Amin. It explores the life and attributes of Yoruba deities known as Orishas.

Who’s Who in the Yoruba Pantheon redefines the orishas for a contemporary audience by challenging stereotypical images in popular discourse in which these figures are demonized. Focusing on 16 Orishas, the book throws light on their attributes and, according to the publisher’s official statement, “illuminates the crucial role they play as custodians of cultural ethos and beliefs.”

The writers, Peju Akande, Jahman Anikulapo and Toni Kan all see the book as introducing the Yoruba cosmology to a new generation of readers.

“As father of a teenage African-German daughter,” writes Jahman Anikulapo, “who is highly curious about African cultural and historical virtues, I appreciate the educational value of this publication, hence my gladness at contributing to the writing and production of the book.”

Illustrator Abdulkareem Baba Aminu notes that “projects like this will present the orisas to a whole new generation of Nigerians and non-Nigerians, inspiring pride, restoring a sense of history and culture for the coming decades.”

Buy Who’s Who in the Yoruba Pantheon: www.iwalewabooks.com