ilé ọrọ ̀: Yoruba Resort & Cultural Center

Ilé ọrọ ̀ is a Yoruba translation for “house of wealth” and in other translations “house of riches”. Every time culture is a subject of discussion, we all try to express how rich our individual culture is. The truth is words alone cant express how rich any culture is and I was tired of talking. As an African (Yoruba) architectural designer, I preferred to express the riches of my culture with a statement noticeable from miles away. One that speaks the native language… a cultural landmark that beats the test of time.

The concept is from a cowrie shell and Yoruba divination tray. Cowries were used as currency for centuries in west Africa, it is viewed as a symbol of wealth and well being and are commonly used in jewelry and other decorative pieces. They are also used during divination by casting them down on a divination tray to reach out to the ancestors. Doing this in my design, the idea is for the cowrie to permanently be on the tray... Meaning the ancestors are going to constantly be with us.