Ifá and the Organization of Knowledge

contributions of an African Tradition to Information Science

Abstract

Introduction: This paper presents a reading of information organization that considers orality and oral tradition as technologies that shape the construction of knowledge. Using Ifá through the Odù Corpus, presented as a living taxonomy, the work highlights a decolonial approach to curation, indexing, preservation, and access to knowledge from African-based religious traditions in educational, museum, and library contexts. Objective: To analyze the Odù Corpus as a living taxonomy that can guide a decolonial approach to information organization, articulating orality, memory, and curation to broaden access to and governance of knowledge in diverse informational contexts. The central hypothesis is that orality functions as collective memory, providing contextual and historical foundations that enrich informational practices without imposing hegemonic Western classificatory structures. Methodology: Qualitative research with a theoretical-analytical approach that examines how the Odù Corpus can guide information organization procedures and governance policies that value epistemological diversity and the participation of African-based religious traditions. Results: The Odù Corpus is presented as a reading tool that transforms traditional knowledge into informational resources capable of supporting more inclusive and democratic access policies, avoiding appropriation and ensuring adequate contextualization in information retrieval. Conclusion: The study seeks to contribute to curatorial, preservation, and governance practices that recognize the legitimacy of multiple epistemologies, promote digital inclusion, and establish access policies that respect historical contexts and African-based religious traditions, consolidating Ifá as a living taxonomy.