Founded in 1970, Oyotunji African Village (OAV), which is located in Sheldon, South Carolina’s Beaufort County, is the first intentional community based on the culture of the Yoruba and Dahomey tribes of West Africa. Prior to the Civil War, Sheldon was primarily a common gathering area for various plantation owners and slaves.Today, it is home to the surviving Kingdom of Oyotunji, the only traditional African village in America where the Yoruban culture and tradition dating further back than 500 B.C is a way of life..
Today, after over 40 years of sustaining the only Kingdom based on traditional Yoruba sociology and values, OAV brings to the Low-country and greater global community the depth of culture, beautiful art, grandeur of customs and resilient history of the New World Yoruba.
Oyotunji’s king is HRM Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II who began his destiny on earth December 21, 1976. Born the 14th child of 22 children to His Royal Highness Oba Efuntola Adefunmi I, and the third child of five born to Iya Esu Ogo Oyewole. The King Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II was raised in the Kingdom of Oyotunji African Village and began drumming at the age of seven.He was rooted in the traditional lifestyle of Oyotunji African Village settlement in North America and witnessed thousands of Africans in America that came to his father’s Kingdom in search of broadening their cultural awareness.
The village is also destination for visitors who are encouraged to enjoy the following:
–The Trader’s Bazaar African Market located within Oyotunji African Village is a 25 year old authentic African market operated by Village residents. Many hand carved wooden statues, beaded jewelry, books, cloth and traditional attire along with spiritual charms, soaps and other products adorn the shelves of this market.
–On-site lodging for overnight stays: Oyotunji African Village visitors now have the opportunity to stay on-site within its newly renovated, hostel-styled Afrique.
–Festivals – The Kingdom of Oyotunji African Village hosts 14 annual traditional African Festivals and ceremonies that are open to the public from January until December.
–Cultural Education: OAV is positioned as the pinnacle center for learning, exploring and celebrating the ancient traditions and culture of the Yoruba people of present day West Africa.
— Eat, sleep and play without leaving the village: Meals are available on-site.
The Kingdom of Oyotunji African Village’s core business is to serve in the elevation of humanity’s understanding and appreciation of the genius, highly technical, social and Royal hierarchy of African people. The institution of OAV serves as a real-time reminder of the sociology and African world view contribution made to society by African ancestors of antiquity.
