Obatala is the sky father and creator of humanity. In some accounts he is regarded as the father of all Orishas and humans while certain stories speaks of him as the offspring Olokun and Olorun
In his mortal form, he founded Ife and became it's first king until he was replaced by the lineage of Oduduwa. His principal wife is Yemoo
It is said that any Orisha may claim an individual, but until that individual is initiated into the priesthood of that Orisha, Obatala still owns that head making him the owner of all heads
The unique function of Obatala within the realm of Orisha Awo (Mysteries of Nature) is to provide the spark of light that animates consciousness. Some of his other names are Orishanla, Obatorisa and lord of the white cloth as white is the sacred colour of Obatala, his temples, images and paraphernalia are always painted white, his followers also wear white. Most offerings offered to the mighty Orisha also come in white, white clothes, white beads, white food(eggs, rice, milk, mushrooms..), white flowers and silver
His children are albinos and those born with physical or mental disabilities
It is said that any Orisha may claim an individual, but until that individual is initiated into the priesthood of that Orisha, Obatala still owns that head making him the owner of all heads
The unique function of Obatala within the realm of Orisha Awo (Mysteries of Nature) is to provide the spark of light that animates consciousness. Some of his other names are Orishanla, Obatorisa and lord of the white cloth as white is the sacred colour of Obatala, his temples, images and paraphernalia are always painted white, his followers also wear white. Most offerings offered to the mighty Orisha also come in white, white clothes, white beads, white food(eggs, rice, milk, mushrooms..), white flowers and silver
His children are albinos and those born with physical or mental disabilities
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