Above you see a statue representing the King of Ife. Ife is considered to be the spiritual center of our Yoruba traditions. The first king of Ife was Oddudua. He later became an Orisha and is considered to be one of the oldest Obatalas. The present day king of Ife is considered to be a descendent of Oddudua both physically and spiritually. Oddudua is a very special Obatala and a very special Orisha. Oddudua is considered to be the King of the Dead. He is considered to be the first ancestor of all the Yoruba. Ife is reportedly where the first humans were created, as it is the center of life on this planet. Hopefully, one day we will be able to make a pilgrimage to Ife and pay homage to the present king. Oddudua was identified with Saint Manuel to the africans that were brought to Cuba. He is an Orisha of much mystery and power.
There are so many "caminos" of Obatala. Most of them are old, except Ayaguna, who is young. Ochagrinan, or Agguininan is the oldest. Old and bent over, feeble, shaking. He has to use crutches. But when he gets mad, he throws down the crutches and picks up a machete and LOOK OUT! Ocha Olufon or Obbalufon is another old Obatala. His hair is all white and when he mounts his "horse", he also comes shaking and disfiguring his "horse". But his shaking is not from feebleness, but from rage! He always wins the battle and the war. Another "camino" is Obbamoro. He likewise is old. He corresponds with Jesus of Nazareth in the Catholic pantheon of Saints. These are some of the male encarnations of Obatala. On the next page, we will speak of some of the female encarnations or "caminos" of Obatala.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO PAGE 4
HOME
