irukẹrẹ
Yoruba
Alternative forms
- ùrùkẹ̀rẹ̀
Etymology
From Blend of ìrù (“tail”) + tí (“that”) + ó (“is”) + kẹ̀rẹ̀ (“small, dimunitive”), literally “The tail that is diminutive”, in comparison to the tail of a horse that it derives its significance from. Its nimbleness makes it easy for those entitled to use it to handle it with dignity and grace.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ì.ɾù.kɛ̀.ɾɛ̀/
Noun
ìrùkẹ̀rẹ̀
- a white (or black) flywhisk, used as a symbol of authority by chiefs, priests, and monarchs, and also used during dancing and rituals in festivals
- Synonyms: ùrù, ìrù
References
- Oyèláràn, Ọláṣọpẹ́ (December 2021), “Oríta Borgu: the Yorùbá and the Bààtonu down the ages”, in Africa, volume 88, issue 2, Cambridge University Press, pages 238-266