The Buttocks and the Chair
Philosophical Summary
When Olodumare charged Obatala with molding the human form, the Body Parts began to argue amongst themselves about who was the most important. The Head, Hands, and Legs all claimed supreme status. They mocked the Buttocks (Idi) for being lazy and lowly. However, when they tried to function in isolation, the Head fell and the body collapsed. Idi Meji, the Odu of stability, judge that the foundation is the missing 'Sacred Seat'. Once the body was built upon the stable base of the Buttocks, the Head could think clearly and the Hands could work. This established that leadership cannot exist without support.
Summary
A creation story detailing how the 'lowly' buttocks were revealed as the indispensable foundation for all bodily and societal function.
Interpretation
Stability as Supreme Power. It teaches those in power never to despise the humble or the infrastructure. Idi Meji represents the Earth itself—the ultimate seat supporting life. A chief cannot rule standing up; he must rest on his foundation.
Sacred Verses
English
The Head, Hands, and Legs fought for supremacy, mocking the Buttocks for just 'sitting there.' They attempted to govern the body alone but crashed in disarray. Idi Meji intervened, showing that the Buttocks provides the 'Seat' required for rest and balance. The Head admitted it could only sleep or rule because the Buttocks held it steady. Thus, while the Head is crowned, the Buttocks is the throne upon which authority rests.