Obatala is often said to live in the mountains because they are closest to heaven, but the real dweller and owner of the mountains is Oke. His worship in Africa is most centered in mountainous areas. His temples are found in the caves of the mountains. When an avalanche occurs, it is believed that Oke has been offended and sacrifices are made to propitiate him. In the Regla Lucumi, his stone oftens lives with Obatala, but there are some branches that give him his own space to live, and sometimes he is even placed behind the door of the home!
La Lagartija is the spanish name for a type of little lizzard that is said to be the messenger of Obatala, especially the Obatala know as Alaguema, that is a feminine Obatala and very old and mysterious. Alaguema's colors are green and white. These little lizzards are very common in south Florida and the caribbean as well as africa. They are harmless and very helpful as they eat roaches and other pests. Sometimes witchcraft or brujeria can be done with these little creatures. our image above is not exactly the same as this species, but it is close enough, so that you get the idea. Whenever we see one of these creatures, it means to us that Obatala is trying to give us a message. That is why they are called the messengers of Obatala.
