You do not have permission to edit this page, for the following reasons:

This IP address has been blocked from editing Wikipedia.
This does not affect your ability to read Wikipedia pages.
Most people who see this message have done nothing wrong. Some kinds of blocks restrict editing from specific service providers or telecom companies in response to recent abuse or vandalism, and can sometimes affect other users who are unrelated to that abuse. Review the information below for assistance if you do not believe that you have done anything wrong.

The IP address or range 184.73.0.0/16 has been blocked (disabled) by ‪JJMC89‬ for the following reason(s):

The IP address that you are currently using has been blocked because it is believed to be a web host provider or colocation provider. To prevent abuse, web hosts and colocation providers may be blocked from editing Wikipedia.
You will not be able to edit Wikipedia using a web host or colocation provider because it hides your IP address, much like a proxy or VPN.
We recommend that you attempt to use another connection to edit. For example, if you use a proxy or VPN to connect to the internet, turn it off when editing Wikipedia. If you edit using a mobile connection, try using a Wi-Fi connection, and vice versa. If you are using a corporate internet connection, switch to a different Wi-Fi network. If you have a Wikipedia account, please log in.
If you do not have any other way to edit Wikipedia, you will need to request an IP block exemption.

How to appeal if you are confident that your connection does not use a colocation provider's IP address:
If you are confident that you are not using a web host, you may appeal this block by adding the following text on your talk page: ((unblock|reason=Caught by a colocation web host block but this host or IP is not a web host. My IP address is _______. Place any further information here. ~~~~)). You must fill in the blank with your IP address for this block to be investigated. Your IP address can be determined here. Alternatively, if you wish to keep your IP address private you can use the unblock ticket request system. There are several reasons you might be editing using the IP address of a web host or colocation provider (such as if you are using VPN software or a business network); please use this method of appeal only if you think your IP address is in fact not a web host or colocation provider.

Administrators: The IP block exemption user right should only be applied to allow users to edit using web host in exceptional circumstances, and requests should usually be directed to the functionaries team via email. If you intend to give the IPBE user right, a CheckUser needs to take a look at the account. This can be requested most easily at SPI Quick Checkuser Requests. Unblocking an IP or IP range with this template is highly discouraged without at least contacting the blocking administrator.

This block will expire on 05:41, 2 October 2024.

Even when blocked, you will usually still be able to edit your user talk page, as well as email administrators and other editors.

For information on how to proceed, please read the FAQ for blocked users and the guideline on block appeals. The guide to appealing blocks may also be helpful.

Other useful links: Blocking policy · Help:I have been blocked
Your IP address is in a range that has been blocked on all Wikimedia Foundation wikis. The block was made by ‪Jon Kolbert‬. The reason given is Open proxy/Webhost: See the help page if you are affected .
- Start of block: 15:07, 27 August 2023
- Expiry of block: 15:07, 27 August 2028
Your current IP address is 184.73.69.204. The blocked range is 184.73.0.0/16. Please include all above details in any queries you make. If you believe you were blocked by mistake, you can find additional information and instructions in the No open proxies global policy. Otherwise, to discuss the block please post a request for review on Meta-Wiki. You could also send an email to the stewards VRT queue at stewards@wikimedia.org including all above details.

You can view and copy the source of this page:

((Short description|Religion of the Yoruba people of Africa / West African Orisa))
((More citations needed|date=September 2021))
((Use dmy dates|date=September 2022))
[[File:Isese (Yoruba Religion) Global Symbol with labels.png|thumb|Symbol of the Global Isese Community with labels/descriptions]]
((Orisa-Ifá sidebar))
((Traditional African religion))

The '''Yoruba religion''' ([[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]: Ìṣẹ̀ṣe), '''West African Orisa''' (Òrìṣà), or '''Isese''' (Ìṣẹ̀ṣe), comprises the traditional religious and spiritual concepts and practice of the [[Yoruba people]]. Its homeland is in present-day Southwestern [[Nigeria]], which comprises the majority of [[Oyo State|Oyo]], [[Ogun State|Ogun]], [[Osun State|Osun]], [[Ondo State|Ondo]], [[Ekiti State|Ekiti]], [[Kwara State|Kwara]] and [[Lagos State|Lagos]] States, as well as parts of [[Kogi State|Kogi]] state and the adjoining parts of [[Benin]] and [[Togo]], commonly known as [[Yorubaland]] (((Lang-yo|'''Ilẹ̀ Káàárọ̀-Oòjíire'''))). 

It shares some parallels with the [[Vodun]] practiced by the neighboring [[Fon people|Fon]] and [[Ewe people|Ewe]] peoples to the west and with the religion of the [[Edo people]] to the east. Yoruba religion is the basis for a number of religions in the New World, notably [[Santería]], [[Umbanda]], [[Trinidad Orisha]], and [[Candomblé]].<ref name="Culture">((cite book|title= Yoruba Culture: A Philosophical Account |first=Kola|last=Abimbola|edition=Paperback|publisher= Iroko Academics Publishers|year= 2005|isbn=1-905388-00-4))</ref> Yoruba religious beliefs are part of Itàn (history), the total complex of songs, histories, stories, and other cultural concepts which make up the Yoruba society.<ref name="Culture"/><ref name="YRM"/><ref name="Religion"/>

==Term==

The Yoruba name for the Yoruba indigenous religion is Ìṣẹ̀ṣẹ, which also refers to the traditions and rituals that encompass Yorùbá culture. The term comes from a contraction of the words: '''Ìṣẹ̀''', meaning "''source/root origin''" and '''ìṣe''', meaning "''practice/tradition''" coming together to mean "The original tradition"/"The tradition of antiquity" as many of the practices, beliefs, traditions, and observances of the Yoruba originate from the religious worship of [[Olodumare]] and the veneration of the Orisa.

== Beliefs ==

[[File:Yemoja Nigeria.jpg|thumb|A '''[[Yemoja]]''' priestess in Ọ̀yọ́, Nigeria]]

[[File:Yoruba divination board.jpg|thumb|Yoruba divination board '''[[Opon Ifá]]''']]

According to Kola Abimbola, the [[Yorubas]] have evolved a robust cosmology.<ref name="Culture"/> Nigerian Professor for [[Traditional African religions]], [[Jacob K. Olupona]], summarizes that central for the Yoruba religion, and which all beings possess, is known as "Ase", which is "the empowered word that must come to pass," the "life force" and "energy" that regulates all movement and activity in the universe".<ref name="Fate">((cite book|title=Àyànmọ|first=Afọlabi|last=Ọlabimtan|location=Lagos, Nigeria|publisher=Macmillan|year= 1973|oclc=33249752))</ref><ref>((Cite news |last=Yancy |first=George |date=2021-02-14 |title=Opinion ((!)) Death Has Many Names |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/14/opinion/Yoruba-religion-death.html |access-date=2022-12-26 |issn=0362-4331))</ref><ref>((Cite journal |last=Olupona |first=Jacob K. |date=1993-01-01 |title=The Study of Yoruba Religious Tradition in Historical Perspective |url=https://brill.com/view/journals/nu/40/3/article-p240_2.xml |journal=Numen |language=en |volume=40 |issue=3 |pages=240–273 |doi=10.1163/156852793X00176 |issn=1568-5276))</ref> Every thought and action of each person or being in Aiyé (the physical realm) interact with the Supreme force, all other living things, including the Earth itself, as well as with Orun (the otherworld), in which gods, spirits and ancestors exist.<ref name="YRM">((cite book|first=Afọlabi|last=Ọlabimtan|oclc=33249752|others=Translated by George E. Simpson|title=Yoruba Religion and Medicine in Ibadan|publisher= Ibadan University Press|year= 1991|isbn=978-121-068-0))</ref><ref>((Cite news |last=Yancy |first=George |date=2021-02-14 |title=Opinion ((!)) Death Has Many Names |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/14/opinion/Yoruba-religion-death.html |access-date=2022-12-26 |issn=0362-4331))</ref><ref>((Cite journal |last=Olupona |first=Jacob K. |date=1993-01-01 |title=The Study of Yoruba Religious Tradition in Historical Perspective |url=https://brill.com/view/journals/nu/40/3/article-p240_2.xml |journal=Numen |language=en |volume=40 |issue=3 |pages=240–273 |doi=10.1163/156852793X00176 |issn=1568-5276))</ref> The Yoruba religion can be described as a complex form of [[polytheism]], with a Supreme but distant creator force, encompassing the whole universe.<ref>((Cite journal |last=Olupona |first=Jacob K. |date=1993-01-01 |title=The Study of Yoruba Religious Tradition in Historical Perspective |url=https://brill.com/view/journals/nu/40/3/article-p240_2.xml |journal=Numen |language=en |volume=40 |issue=3 |pages=240–273 |doi=10.1163/156852793X00176 |issn=1568-5276))</ref>

The anthropologist Robert Voeks described Yoruba religion as being [[animism|animistic]], noting that it was "firmly attached to place".((sfn|Voeks|1997|p=160))

Each person living on earth attempts to achieve perfection and find their destiny in Orun-Rere (the spiritual realm of those who do good and beneficial things).

One's ori-inu (spiritual consciousness in the physical realm) must grow in order to consummate union with one's "Iponri" (Ori Orun, spiritual self).<ref name="Fate"/>

Iwapẹlẹ (or well-balanced) meditative recitation and sincere veneration is sufficient to strengthen the ori-inu of most people.<ref name="YRM"/><ref name="Fate"/> Well-balanced people, it is believed, are able to make positive use of the simplest form of connection between their [[Ori (Yoruba)|Ori]] and the omnipotent Olu-Orun: an Àwúre (petition or prayer) for divine support.

In the Yoruba belief system, Olodumare has ase over all that is. Hence, it is considered supreme.<ref name="YRM"/>

==Cosmology==
* [[Olodumare]]
** [[Orisha|Orishas]]
*** [[Veneration of the dead|Ancestors]]
**** [[Human]]
***** [[Animal]], [[Plant]], etc

===Olódùmarè===
((Main|Olodumare))
[[Olódùmarè]] is the most important "state of existence".<ref name="God"/> "They" are the owner of all heads, for during human creation, Olódùmarè gave "èmí" (the breath of life) to humankind. In this, Olódùmarè is Supreme.<ref name="God">((cite book|title= Olódùmarè: God in Yorùbá Belief|author=Bolaji Idowu|author-link=Bolaji Idowu|location=Ikeja, Nigeria|publisher=Longman|year= 1982|isbn=0-582-60803-1))</ref>
((check quotation))
Perhaps one of the most important human endeavors extolled within the Yoruba literary corpus is the quest to improve one's "Ìwà" (character, behaviour). In this way the teachings transcend religious doctrine, advising as they do that a person must also improve their civic, social and intellectual spheres of being; every stanza of the sacred [[Ifá]] oracular poetry ([[Odu Ifa]]) has a portion covering the importance of "Ìwà". Central to this is the theme of righteousness, both individual and collective.<ref>((cite web|url=http://ifaspeaks.blogspot.com/2011/02/odu-ifa-iwori-meji-ifa-speaks-on.html|title=Odù-Ifá Iwòrì Méjì; Ifá speaks on Righteousness|author=Ifaloju|publisher=S.S. Popoola, Ifa Dida, Library, INC|date=February 2011|access-date=8 April 2012|website=Ifa Speaks...))</ref>

===Creation===
Adherents of the Yoruba religion regard [[Olodumare]] as the principal force of creation.<ref>((Citation|last=Opoku|first=Kofi Asare|title=African traditional religion: An enduring heritage|work=Religious Plurality in Africa|year=1993|publisher=DE GRUYTER|doi=10.1515/9783110850079.67|isbn=978-3-11-085007-9|url=http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/itcj/vol16/iss1/25 ))</ref>

According to one of the Yoruba accounts of [[creation myth|creation]], at a certain stage in the process, the "truth" was sent to confirm the habitability of the planets that were newly formed. The [[earth]], being one of these, was visited but considered too wet for conventional living.<ref>((Cite journal|last=Halliday|first=William D.|date=2018-09-08|title="Half-Earth: Our Planet's Fight for Life" by Edward O. Wilson, 2017. [book review]|journal=The Canadian Field-Naturalist|volume=132|issue=1|pages=78|doi=10.22621/cfn.v132i1.2129|issn=0008-3550|doi-access=free))</ref>

After a successful period of time, a number of divinities led by [[Obatala]] were sent to accomplish the task of helping earth develop its crust. On one of their visits to the realm, the arch-divinity Obatala took to the stage equipped with a [[mollusk]] that concealed some form of [[soil]]; winged beasts and some cloth like material. The contents were emptied onto what soon became a large mound on the surface of the water and soon after, the winged-beasts began to scatter this around until the point where it gradually made into a large patch of dry land; the various indentations they created eventually becoming hills and valleys.<ref name="God"/>

Obatala leaped onto a high-ground and named the place [[Ife]]. The land became fertile and plant life began to flourish. From handfuls of earth he began to mold figurines. Meanwhile, as this was happening on earth, Olodumare gathered the gases from the far reaches of space and sparked an explosion that shaped into a fireball. He subsequently((Citation needed|date=May 2020)) sent it to Ife, where it dried much of the land and simultaneously began to bake the motionless figurines. It was at this point that Olodumare released the "breath of life" to blow across the land, and the figurines slowly came into "being" as the first people of Ife.<ref name="God"/>

For this reason, Ife is locally referred to as "Ife Oodaye" - "cradle of existence".<ref name="God"/><ref>((harvnb|Leeming|Leeming|2009)) – entry ((cite book|url=http://www.oxfordreference.com/abstract/10.1093/acref/9780195102758.001.0001/acref-9780195102758-e-319?rskey=hcxXT3&result=309|title=Yoruba|chapter=Yoruba Creation|year=1994|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-510275-8|access-date=2010-04-30))</ref>

==Orisha Pantheon==
((Main|Orisha)) ((Main|List of Yoruba deities))
The [[Orisha]], (((Lang-yo|Òrìṣà))) are entities that possess the capability of reflecting some of the manifestations of Olodumare. Yoruba ''Orishas'' (commonly translated "unique/special/selected heads") are often described as intermediaries between humankind and the supernatural. The term has also been variously translated as "Deities", "Divinities" or "Gods".<ref>[http://organizations.uncfsu.edu/ncrsa/journal/v03/johnsonoyinade_yoruba.htm The Concept of God: The People of Yoruba] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711141759/http://organizations.uncfsu.edu/ncrsa/journal/v03/johnsonoyinade_yoruba.htm |date=11 July 2020 )) for the acceptability of the translation</ref>

The Yoruba have developed a robust pantheon of divinities, each well developed in their different rites and traditions. Many of these have attained national/pan Yoruba statuses and are known all across Yoruba country, even when they are more strongly or closely associated with certain places, occupations or locations spread across [[Yorubaland]]. There are said to be 400 plus 1 of them in total; The 200 of the right (''Igba Ọ̀tún''), the 200 of the left (''Igba Òsì'') and one more.

Orisha(s) are revered for having control over specific elements of nature. They are thus also referred to as ''Imole''. There are those of their number that are more akin to ancient heroes and/or [[Philosopher|sage]]s than to primordial divinities.<ref name="Religion"/> These are best addressed as [[Dema Deity|dema deities]]. Even though the term Orisha is often used to describe both classes of divine [[Non-physical entity|entities]], it is properly reserved for the former one.<ref name="Religion"/>
===List of orisha===
{| class="wikitable" style="line-height:20px;text-align:left;"
! style="width:12%; color:#fff; background:navy;" |Name 
! style="width:14%; color:#fff; background:navy;" |Deity Of
! style="width:4%; color:#fff; background:navy;" |Ethnic Group
! style="width:4%; color:#fff; background:navy;" |Religion
! style="width:14%; color:#fff; background:navy;" |Member Of
! style="width:4%; color:#fff; background:navy;" |Homeland
|-
| [[Agemo (deity)|Agemo]]
| Chameleon, Servant
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Aganju]]
| Volcanoes, Wilderness, Desert, Fire
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Ajaka]]
| Peaceful, Love, Equality
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Akògún
| Warrior, Hunter,Wear Straw
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
|[[Talking drum#Ayangalu|Ayangalu]]
| Drummer, Gángan
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Arira (Aara, Aira, Ara)
| Weather, Storm, Thunder
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Ayelala]]
| Punishes Crime
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]] 
| Orisha 
| | [[Yorubaland]] 
|-
| Aroni
| Beauty Of Nature, Spirit Of The Forest, Herb, Plant, Tree
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Alaafia
| Peace, Humble, Patience 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Arun
| Diseases, Affliction 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Aje
| Wealth, Property, Prosperity, Fortune, Success 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Aye
| Passion, Environmentalism, Nature
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Aja (orisha)|Ajija (Aaja, Aija, Aja)]]
| Whirlwind, Wild, Herb, Plant, Leaf
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Biri
| Darkness, Night, Midnight 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Babalu Aye]]
| Smallpox, Epidemic Diseases, Healing
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Bayanni (Dada)
| Children, Dread Heads, Prosperity 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Dada 
| Mischief & Stubborn 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Ela
| Passion For Charity & Giving
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Edi
| Spirit Of Evil, Whisperer Of Undoing And Corruption
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Egungun]]
| Sainted Dead 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Erinle]]
| Hunter, Earth, Natural Force Of Universe
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Eshu]]
| Trickery, Crossroads, Misfortune, Chaos, Death, Travelers, Messenger
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Ibeji]]
| Twins 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Iroko 
| Tree, Wilderness
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Iya Nla]]
| Primordial Spirit
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Iku
| Death 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Imole
| Sunlight, Soothsayer 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Logunede
| War & Hunting
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Moremi Ajasoro|Moremi]]
| Saviour
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Ọba (orisha)|Oba]]
| River 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Obba 
| Passion For Homemaking, Domestic Policies 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Obatala]]
| Creation
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Oduduwa]]
| Progenitor, Warrior
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Ogun]]
| Warriors, Soldiers, Blacksmiths, Metal Workers, Craftsmen
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Oke
| Mountain, Hill
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Oko (orisha)|Oko]]
| Agriculture, Farming, Fertility
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Olokun]]
| Water, Health, Wealth
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Olumo Rock|Olumo]]
| Mountain
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Ọranyan]]
| Progenitor
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Orò
| Justice, Bullroarers
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Oronsen]]
| Progenitor
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
|
[[Ọrunmila]]
| Wisdom, Knowledge, Ifa Divination, Philosophy, Fate, Destiny, Prophecy, Babalawo
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Ori (Yoruba)|Ori]]
| Beforelife, Afterlife, Destiny, Personal Identify
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
|
[[Osanyin]]
| Herb, Plant, Nature, Herbalist, Magician
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Oshosi]]
| Hunt, Forest, Warrior, Justice
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
|
[[Oshun]]
| Goddess of Water, Purity, Fertility, Love, and Sensuality
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Oshunmare]]
| Rainbow, Serpent, Regeneration, Rebirth
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Otin River#Legend|Otin]]
| River, Fighter
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Oya]]
| Storms, Wind, Thunder, Lightning, Dead
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Shango]]
| Thunder, Lightning, Fire, Justice, Dance, Virility
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| Shigidi
| Guardian Of Home & Environment 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Yemoja]]
| Goddess Of Creation, Water, Moon, The Motherhood, Protection
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|-
| [[Yewa]] 
| Yewa River 
| [[Yoruba People]]
| [[Yoruba Religion]]
| Orisha
| [[Yorubaland]]
|}

==Major Orisha description and attributes==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- 
! scope="col" style="width: 8%;" |  Orishas
! scope="col" style="width: 7%;" | Other Names
! scope="col" style="width: 70%;" | Description and Attributes
! Image
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" |Earthly homes & Sites<ref>((cite book |last1=Alabi |first1=Adetayo |title=Oral Forms of Nigerian Autobiography and Life Stories |date=19 August 2021 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-000-42886-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rlw1EAAAQBAJ&dq=esu+ijelu&pg=PT46 |access-date=27 July 2023 |language=en))</ref><ref>((cite book |last1=Origunwa |first1=Obafemi |title=Fundamentals of Òrìsà Lifestyle |date=20 May 2015 |publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=978-1-329-15169-7 |page=127 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MSzRCQAAQBAJ&dq=osun+ijumu&pg=PA127 |access-date=27 July 2023 |language=en))</ref>
|-
| '''[[Ori (Yoruba)|Orí]]'''
|
| Ori is the universal household Orisha venerated by all in [[Yorubaland]], as the custodian of fate. Hence, Ori is propitiated or appeased that one may have good fate. When one has a balanced character, one obtains an alignment with one's Ori or divine self. The representing image of ori is said to be 41 cowries strung together in the shape of a coronet or tiara, usually kept in a large coffer or enclosure called '''Ile Ori''' (Ori's house)  made from the same material and is as large as the votary can afford/want it to be.  
|[[File:Symbol of the inner head (ibori) Africa Nigeria Yoruba people 19th-20th century leather glass beads cowrie shells Dallas Museum of Art.jpg|Symbol of the inner head (ibori) Africa Nigeria Yoruba people 19th-20th century leather glass beads cowrie shells Dallas Museum of Art|100px]]
| _______
|-
| '''[[Orunmila|Ọ̀runmìlà]]''' 
| '''Àgbọnìrègún'''<br /> '''Ẹlẹ́rí Ìpín'''<br /> '''Ẹ̀là'''<br /> '''Àjànà'''<br /> '''Òkìtìbiri''' 
| The Yoruba grand priest, sage and custodian of the Ifa oracle, source of [[knowledge]] who is believed to oversee the knowledge of the [[human body|human form]], [[Virtue|purity]], the cures of illnesses and deformities. [[Babalawo]]s are Orumila's subordinates as priests, devotees and followers. The light or illumination of Ifa itself is referred to as ''Ẹ̀là''. Babalawos and Iyanifas invoke Ela's light when calling for Orunmila's presence. Orunmila is considered synonymous with or an avatar of Ẹ̀là by many and the name is often broken down as (''Ọ̀run mí Ẹ̀là'') meaning; ''Heaven brings forth revelation/light''. Therefore, Ifa, Orunmila and Ela are all seen as aspects of the divine light which reveals things unknown - whether in the past, the present or future.<ref>((cite book |last1=Kumari |first1=Ayele |title=Isese Spirituality Workbook |date=23 June 2020 |publisher=Ayele Kumari |page=61 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7pPsDwAAQBAJ&dq=orunmila+okiribiti&pg=PA61 |access-date=22 September 2023 |language=en))</ref>
|[[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, ifá.JPG|100px]]
|[[Ado Ekiti]]. (Home) <br /> ________<br /> [[Ile Ife|Ilé Ifẹ̀]]. (Origin)
|-
| '''[[Eshu|Èṣù (Ẹlẹ́gba)]]'''
| '''Láróyè''' <br /> '''Bàrà''' <br /> '''Láàlú''' <br /> '''Ògiri Òkò''' <br /> '''Ọ̀dàrà'''<br />'''Látọ́pa'''
| Often ill-translated as "The Devil" or "The Evil Being", Eshu is in truth neither of these. Best referred to as "The Trickster", he deals a hand of misfortune to those that do not offer tribute or are deemed to be ''spiritual novices''. Also regarded as the "divine messenger", a prime negotiator between negative and positive forces in the body and an enforcer of the "law of being". He is said to assist in enhancing the power derived from herbal medicines and other forms of esoteric technology.

Eshu is the Orisha of chance, accident and unpredictability. Because he is Olorun's linguist and the master of languages, Eshu is responsible for carrying messages and sacrifices from humans to the Sky God. Also known for his phallic powers and exploits, Eshu is said to lurk at gateways, on the highways and at the crossroads, where he introduces chance and accident into the lives of humans. He is known by a variety of names, including Elegbara.<ref>((cite book|title=Tales of Yoruba Gods and Heroes|first=Harold|last=Courlander|isbn=978-0517500637|publisher=Crown Pub|date=March 1973|url=https://archive.org/details/talesofyorubagod00cour))</ref>
|[[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, 1968, axù.JPG|100px]]
|[[Ketu (Benin)|Kétu]], [[Benin]]. (Home)<br />_______<br />
Ìjẹ̀lú, [[Ekiti people|Èkìtì]]. (Home)<br />_______<br />
[[Igbeti]], [[Oyo State|Ọ̀yọ́]]. (Site) <br />_______<br />
Iworo, [[Lagos State|Lagos]]. (Site)
|-
| '''[[Oko (orisha)|Òrìṣà Oko]]''' 
|'''Ajàngele'''
| The Orisha of agriculture, open fields and rurality, he was known to be a fighter against sorcery. He was a hunter who kept a dog and a flute credited with the development of agricultural practices. He is associated with the annual new yam harvest. Honey bees are his messengers. Orisha Oko is represented with a large staff with rolls of copper (Bàbà) strings wound around its handles (''Opa Orisha oko'') and a flute made of ivory.
| [[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, orixá oko.JPG|100px]]
|[[Ifẹ̀]], [[Osun State|Osun]]. (Home, Origin)<br />_______<br />
[[Atisbo|Ìràwọ̀]], [[Oyo State]]. (Home)<ref>((cite book |last1=Olupona |first1=Jacob Kẹhinde |last2=Rey |first2=Terry |title=Òrìşà Devotion as World Religion: The Globalization of Yorùbá Religious Culture |date=2008 |publisher=Univ of Wisconsin Press |isbn=978-0-299-22464-6 |page=115 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QlW3ZMxrCKMC&dq=Obatala+iranje&pg=PA115 |access-date=20 September 2023 |language=en))</ref> 
|-
| '''[[Ogoun|Ògún]]'''  
| '''Lákáayé''' <br /> '''Aládá Méjì'''<br /> '''Ọṣìn Imalẹ̀''' <br /> '''Alágbẹ̀dẹ  
| Orisha of iron, war, heroism and [[metallurgy]]. He is venerated by all those who work with metals and technology. 
|[[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, 1968, ogun 01.JPG|100px]]
|[[Ile Ife|Ilé Ifẹ̀]], [[Osun State|Ọ̀ṣun]]. (Origin)<br />_______<br />
[[Ire Ekiti|Ìrè]], [[Ekiti people|Èkìtì]]. (Home)<br />_______<br />[[Shaki, Oyo|Ṣakí, Ọ̀yọ́]]. (Associated)
|-

| '''Bàyànni'''  
| '''Dàda''' <br /> '''Àjàká''' <br /> '''Báyọ̀ni'''  
| Bayanni or Dada-Ajaka was a brother to Shango and another son of [[Oranyan]]. He was Alaafin of Oyo before Shango and again after him. He is the Orisha of birth, youngsters and children with natural hair of tufts that grow separately in tight curls (Dàda) and is often associated with prosperity. By some accounts, Dada Ajaka was actually the brother to Shango while Bayanni was female and a sister.<ref>((cite book |last1=PhD |first1=Patricia Monaghan |title=Encyclopedia of Goddesses and Heroines |date=1 April 2014 |publisher=New World Library |isbn=978-1-60868-218-8 |page=6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Cj5OAwAAQBAJ&dq=bayanni+orisha&pg=PA6 |access-date=14 October 2023 |language=en))</ref> However, the domains of both personages have become largely intertwined. He is strongly associated with the [[Yewa|Yewa/Egbado]] region and his object is a diadem/coffer of cowries with several strings with a tipped top ''(Ṣónṣó Orí)'' called ''Ade Bayanni'' (Bayanni's  crown).<ref>((cite web |title=X77.903 Ade Bayanni (cowrie crown) ((!)) Fowler Museum at UCLA |url=https://fowler.ucla.edu/product/x77-903-ade-bayanni-cowrie-crown/ |website=Fowler museum at UCLA |access-date=14 October 2023))</ref>
|[[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, 1968, bayánni.JPG|100px]]
|[[Oyo Empire#Oyo Ile|Ọ̀yọ́ Ilé]]. (Home, Origin)
|-
| '''[[Yemọja]]'''
| '''Àwòyó''' <br /> '''Olódò''' <br />'''Mọjẹlẹ́wù'''
|Matron of the Ògùn River that flows from the upper regions of Ọ̀yọ́ State (''[[Onko|Oke Ogun]]''), through Ogun State and the city of Abeokuta, before emptying into the Lagos lagoon (''Ọ̀sà''); other smaller tributaries and streams are dedicated to Iyemọja throughout Yorùbáland; spiritual mother of Ṣàngó. According to Olorishas, she is the [[amniotic fluid]] in the womb of the pregnant woman, as well as the breasts which nurture. She is considered the protective energy of the feminine force. Her name is derived from the words; ''Yèyé-Ọmọ-Ẹja'' - Meaning; ''Mother of fish children'', which is a metaphor for bodies of water with fish including lakes and the ocean.<ref>((cite web |last1=M. Smith |first1=Omari Tunkara |title=Manipulating the Sacred, Yoruba Art, Rituala nd Resistance in Brazilian Candomble |url=https://womrel.sitehost.iu.edu/REL%20300%20Spirit/REL%20300_Spirit/Tunkara_Yemoja_Manipulatingsacred.pdf |website=iu.edu |access-date=28 July 2023))</ref> ||[[File:Yemoja Nigeria.jpg|100px]]
|[[Ile Ife|Ilé Ifẹ̀]], [[Osun State|Ọ̀ṣun State]]. (Origin)<br />_______<br />
[[Shaki, Oyo|Ṣakí]], [[Oyo State|Ọ̀yọ́ State]]. (Home) <br />_______<br />
Ibara, [[Abeokuta|Abẹ́òkúta]], [[Ogun State|Ògùn State]]. (Site)
|-
| '''[[Oshun|Ọ̀ṣun]]''' 
| '''Yèyé''' <br /> '''Ládékojú'''<br /> '''Ẹ̀wùjí'''
| A second wife of Shango, she is said to have entered into a river at Osogbo. The Yoruba clerics ascribed to her sensuality, beauty and gracefulness, symbolizing both their people's search for clarity and a flowing motion. She is associated with several powers, including abilities to heal with cool water, induction of fertility and the control of the feminine essence. Women appeal to her for child-bearing and for the alleviation of female disorders. The Yoruba traditions describe her as being fond of babies and her intervention is sought if a baby becomes ill. Oshun is also known for her love of honey and crocodiles are her messengers. Items closely associated with Oshun are; Brass fans (Abẹ̀bẹ̀), brass bells (Àjà), anklets and bangles (Ìdè), brass machetes (Àdá), brass hair pins (Ìkótí), red parrot feathers (Ikodídẹ) and brass combs (''Òyìyà/Òòyà).
|[[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, oxun.JPG|100px]]
| Ìgèdè, [[Ekiti people|Èkìtì]]. (Home, Source)<br />_______<br /> [[Ijumu|Ìjùmú]], [[Kogi State|Kogi]]. (Origin) <br />_______<br />[[Osogbo|Òṣogbo]], [[Osun State|Osun]]. (Grove) 
|-
| '''[[Shango|Ṣàngó]]''' 
| '''Jákúta''' <br /> '''Ọba Kòso'''
| Associated with virility, masculinity, fire, lightning, stones, Oyo warriors and magnetism. He is said to have the abilities to transform base substances into those that are pure and valuable. He was the [[Oba (ruler)|Oba]] of [[Oyo Empire|Oyo]] at some point in its history. He derived his nickname Oba Koso from the tales of his immortality. Shango is the Orisha of the thunderbolt, said to have ruled in ancient times over the kingdom of Oyo. Also known as Jakuta (Stone Thrower) and as Oba Koso (The king does not hang). ((Citation needed|date=May 2020))
|[[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, 1968, xango.JPG|100px]]
| [[Oyo Empire#Oyo Ile|Ọ̀yọ́ Ilé]]. (Home) <br />_______<br /> Kòso, [[Kwara State|Kwara]]. (Site)
|-
|'''[[Erinle|Erinlẹ̀]]'''
|'''Eyinlẹ̀'''
| A great hunter, fisherman and water lord Orisha who had no wife and lived on the bank of the Erinle river. He is also known as a great healer. Some traditions credit him with starting the tradition of chanting '''Ijala''', a traditional oral poetry with a characteristic nasal twang mostly performed by hunters (and mostly associated with Ogun) due to his loneliness.<ref>((cite book |last1=Barnes |first1=Sandra T. |title=Africa's Ogun: Old World and New |date=22 June 1997 |publisher=Indiana University Press |isbn=978-0-253-11381-8 |page=148 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5UwAAQAAQBAJ&dq=erinle+ajagbusi&pg=PA148 |access-date=27 July 2023 |language=en))</ref> He is represented by smooth black stones from the [[Erinle River]], a tributary stream which empties into the [[Osun River]] near Ede, placed in an earthenware filled with water. His objects are a staff of wrought iron with prongs or branches surmounted by birds.
|[[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, 1968, ibualama.JPG|100px]]
|Ajagbusi.
|-
| '''[[Oya|Ọya]]''' 
|'''Ìyásàán''' <br /> '''Òrìrí'''
| The third wife of the one time [[Oba (ruler)|Oba]] of [[Oyo Empire|Oyo]] called Shango, she is also known to possess a fiery temper similar to Sango and is said to have entered into the [[River Niger]]. She is the deity of powerful winds, storms and the tempest, guardian of the cemetery, storms and transformation. She possesses the power to shape shift between human and animal forms and is closely associated with the [[African buffalo]]. She is also referred to as the ''Mother of Nine'' (Iya-esan) for the nine branches of the river. Due to her personal power and nature as a warrior goddess, she is usually depicted as being in the company of her husband Shango. She is the Orisha of rebirth.((Citation needed|date=May 2020))
|[[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, iansan.JPG|100px]]
| Ìrá, [[Oyun]], [[Kwara State|Kwara]]. (Home) <br />_______<br />[[1st arrondissement of Porto-Novo|Okọ̀rọ̀]], [[Porto-Novo|Àjàṣẹ́]], [[Ouémé Department|Benin]]. (Iya Abessan temple)<ref>((cite web |last1=Verger |first1=Pierre |title=Notes sur le culte des Orisa et Vodun à Bahia: la Baie de tous les saints au Brésil et à l'ancienne Côte des esclaves en Afrique |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XmdTAAAAYAAJ&q=abesan+porto+novo |publisher=IFAN |access-date=22 August 2023 |language=fr |date=1970))</ref>
|-
|'''[[Osanyin|Òsanyìn]]'''  
| '''Àrọ̀nì'''
|Osanyin is the most powerful deity of herbs with dominion over all those who deal with plants and magic. Represented as a one eyed, one handed, and one legged figure, he is the Orisha of herbs, plants, magic, potions, charms and healing. Osanyin is often depicted as a homeopathic Orisha, meaning that he often takes the look or form of the ailment which it is invoked to treat or cure. He also represents the duality and balance of nature and the double facets of herbal power; 'That which can make you better can also harm you if used improperly or if abused'. His object is the [[Osanyin staff]], ('''Opa Osanyin'''). The staff is composed of a circle of small birds and a shaft in the middle that elevates a large bird above smaller ones
|[[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, 1968, ossaniyn 01.JPG|100px]]
|[[Ikole|Ìsaba, Ìkọ̀lé]], [[Ekiti state|Èkìtì state]]. (Home, Origin).

|-
|'''[[Babalu-Aye|Ọbalúayé]]''' 
|'''Ṣọ̀pọ̀ná''' <br /> '''Babalú Ayé''' <br />'''Ọmọlú'''
|Meaning, "Lord, ruler of the world," and a widely feared orisha, he is also variously known as [[Sopona]], the deity of smallpox, Omolu or Sapata. As Obaluaye, he is the Orisha of diseases and sickness. While he has the power to inflict smallpox and other disease, he is also associated with the ability to heal those afflicted with these diseases. In the 20th century, worship of Obaluaye was banned by the British colonial Government as they were believed to purposely infect people with smallpox. ((Citation needed|date=July 2021))
|[[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, obá 2.JPG|100px]]
|
|-
|'''[[Yewa|Yéwa]]''' 
|
|Orisha of the [[Yewa River]] associated with cemeteries, clarity, beauty, dreams and magic. She lives in the cemetery with Oba and Oya. She brings souls to her sister Oya meaning she is the initiator of the beginning of all change that occurs. Explicit or loud speech near her places of worship is not tolerated. There is also a pataki of how this orisha was able to effectively trick death itself. Also Yewa cannot be venerated near Shango as according to the patakis he molested her. Yewa is also responsible for gifting humans with dreams and imagination.
|
|-
|'''[[Obatala|Ọbàtálá]]'''
|'''Òrìṣàlá''' <br /> '''Òṣàlúfọ́n''' <br />'''Òṣàgìrìyan''' <br /> '''Olúwa Ayé''' <br />'''Oṣẹ̀rẹ̀màgbó'''
|Also known as ''Orisa-nla/Oshala'', meaning "the big Orisha," and ''Orisha Funfun''; ''The white Orisha''. He is also known as the Sky father. He is often equated with purity, and represented by "Ala," or white cloth, and "Ẹfun," white chalk. Most items associated with Obatala are either white or clear. He is regarded as the creator of Earth and the shaper of the human body from clay. He is also known as the protector of the physically challenged/different. His favourite consort was Yemowo (Yèyé Mowò). At his [[Ifon Osun|Ifon]] abode, he is known by the name ''Oshalufon'', while in [[Ejigbo]] he goes by the appellation ''Oshagiyan''/''Oshagiriyan'', two popular avatars of Obatala. His offerings are the African land snails (Ìgbín).
|[[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, oxalufan.JPG|100px]]
|[[Oke Ora#History|Òde Ìrànjé (Ìdẹ̀ta), Ifẹ̀]]. (Origin, Home) <br />_______<br />[[Ifon Osun|Ifọ́n]], [[Osun State|Òṣun]]. (Associated)<br />_______<br />[[Ejigbo|Èjìgbò]], [[Osun State|Òṣun]]. (Associated)
|-
|'''[[Aganju|Aganjù]]''' 
| '''Aganjùṣọlá'''
|Roughly translating to "darkness of the wilderness," Aganju is very closely related with Sango and is regarded as the Orisha of the forest, the desert, volcanoes, and the wilderness. He was originally a king of the Oyo empire (See; Alaafin Aganju sola) before being deified after his death. He is the patron deity of long distance travelling, is said to walk with a sword in long strides as if leaping over obstacles, and said to fight by shooting fire, as opposed to Sango who fights with thunderbolts and lightning while hurling [[Thunderstone (folklore)|thunderstones]] (''Ẹdun àrá''). His object is a [[double axe]] similar to sango's but with a longer handle.
|
|[[Oyo Empire#Oyo Ile|Ọ̀yọ́ Ilé]]. (Home)
|-
|'''[[Oshosi|Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì]]''' 
|'''Ọ̀ṣọ́wùsì''' <br /> '''Ọdẹ Mẹ́ta'''
|He is the Orisha of adventure, hunting and the forest, and is another patron of hunters. He is a master of archery (He is called 'the archer of the Orisha') and is always depicted holding a bow and arrow often with a quiver, (''Apó''). His power is made manifest in the speed and accuracy of his arrow and his prideful assertion of mental and physical dexterity. His object is a brass iron crossbow (''Ọrún'') often with strings of cowries hanging down from it, and small iron cylinders filled with miniature arrows (''Ọfà'')<ref>((cite book |last1=Thompson |first1=Robert Farris |title=Flash of the Spirit: African & Afro-American Art & Philosophy |date=26 May 2010 |publisher=Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-307-87433-7 |page=57 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DzOIY4iHSjAC&dq=osanyin&pg=PA42 |access-date=18 September 2023 |language=en))</ref>
|[[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, oxossi 01.JPG|100px]]
|Ìdó.
|-
|'''[[Olokun|Olókun]]''' 
|'''Malòkun''' <br /> '''Ṣẹ̀níadé'''
|A primordial force present at creation, Olokun, meaning "Owner of the ocean" is also known as Imalẹ̀ Òkun, "Deity of the Ocean". Olokun had been present since the beginning of creation as an androgynous Orisha ruling the depths of the ocean and all the waters on earth before Obatala was supposed to come and create dry land. They are the parent of the Orishas Ajé and Ọlọ́sà, and represents wealth, healing, and the vastness of the sea.((Citation needed|date=July 2021))
|
|[[Ile Ife|Ilé Ifẹ̀]], [[Osun State|Ọ̀ṣun]]. (Origin, Home)
|-
|'''Ajé''' 
|'''Ṣàlùgá''' <br />'''Ògúgúlùso'''
|Not to be confused with [[Iyami Aje]], he is also called Aje Saluga. Aje is the representation and the orisha of wealth and economic success. He is also a patron of traders, businesspeople, and markets. The Yoruba word for Monday, is called Aje as it is often the first day of the week when markets open. ((Citation needed|date=July 2021))
|
|-
|'''[[Oduduwa|Odùduwà]]''' 
|'''Ọlọ́fin Àdìmúlà''' <br /> '''Ọṣìn Ọ̀rà''' <br />'''Ọlọ́fin Ayé'''
|Regarded as the founder of the Yoruba people and the first Oba of Ife, he is also associated with an androgynous orisha of creation. Most Yoruba people, and their monarchs most especially, claim descent from Oduduwa. He is a father or grandfather of Oranmiyan, Sango, Ajaka, Obalufon, and other Obas of Ife. He is also regarded as an ancestor of the Obas of the Benin Empire. He is the Orisha of the Earth and the initiator of the [[Ogboni]] which started from the sacred city of Ife and are charged with the maintenance of social order.
|
|[[Oke Ora|Òkè Ọ̀rà]]. (Origin, Home)<br />_______<br />
[[Ife|Ilé Ifẹ̀]]. (Home)
|-
|'''[[Ọba|Ọbà]]''' 
|'''Ibu'''
|The first and most senior wife of [[Shango]], she is the Orisha of the [[Oba River]], and also is the Orisha of domesticity, energy, movement, and the flow of time and life. She is most known for being tricked by the other wives of Shango into cutting off her ear and attempting to feed it to her husband Shango.
|[[File:Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, obá.JPG|100px]]
|}

===Irunmalẹ===
The Irúnmalẹ̀, from the words; '''Ìrun''' meaning ' ''Origin'' ' and '''Imalẹ̀''' meaning ' ''Primal divinity'' ' are the original entities sent by [[Olorun]] to complete given tasks, often acting as liaisons between ''Òde Ọ̀run'' (the invisible realm) and ''Ilé Ayé'' (the physical realm).<ref name="Religion">J. Olumide Lucas, ''The Religion of the Yorubas'', Athelia Henrietta PR, 1996. ((ISBN|0-9638787-8-6))</ref> Irunmale(s) can therefore best be described in English as the highest ranking divinities; whereby such divinities are regarded as principal Orishas. The Irunmale or Imalẹ̀ are the primary foundational divinities or divine entities. In summary, all Imale are also Orisha, but not all Orisha are Imale.

===Reincarnation===
[[File:The Childrens Museum of Indianapolis - Egungun masquerade dance garment.jpg|thumb|right|An [[Egungun]] masquerade dance garment in the permanent collection of [[The Children's Museum of Indianapolis]]]]((Unreferenced section|date=May 2019))
The Yoruba believe in Atunwa, the possibility of [[reincarnation]] within the family. The names Babatunde (father returns), Yetunde (Mother returns), Babatunji (Father wakes once again) and Sotunde (The wise man returns) all offer vivid evidence of the Ifa concept of familial or lineal rebirth.<ref>((Cite journal|last=Omobola|first=Odejobi|title=Influence of Yoruba Culture in Christian Religious Worship|journal=International J. Soc. Sci. & Education|volume=4|pages=586))</ref> There is no simple guarantee that one's grandfather or great uncle will "come back" in the birth of a child, however.

Whenever the time arrives for a spirit to return to Earth (otherwise known as The Marketplace) through the conception of a new life in the direct bloodline of the family, one of the component entities of a person's being returns, while the other remains in Heaven (Ikole Orun). The spirit that returns does so in the form of a Guardian Ori. One's Guardian Ori, which is represented and contained in the crown of the head, represents not only the spirit and energy of one's previous blood relative, but the accumulated wisdom he or she has acquired through myriad lifetimes. This is not to be confused with one's spiritual Ori, which contains personal destiny, but instead refers to the coming back to ''The Marketplace'' of one's personal blood Ori through one's new life and experiences. The Primary Ancestor (which should be identified in your Itefa) becomes – if you are aware and work with that specific energy – a "guide" for the individual throughout their lifetime. At the end of that life they return to their identical spirit self and merge into one, taking the additional knowledge gained from their experience with the individual as a form of ''payment''. ((Citation needed|date=May 2020))

==Influence==
((See also|Yoruba history))

===African diaspora religions===
According to Professor Adams Abdullahi Suberu, the Yoruba were exquisite statesmen who spread across the globe in an unprecedented fashion;<ref name="History">((cite book|title=A history of the Yoruba people|first=Prof S. A.|last= Akintoye|publisher=Amalion Publishing|year= 2010|isbn=978-2-35926-005-2|id= ((ASIN|2359260057|country=uk))))</ref> the reach of their culture is largely due to migration—the most recent migration occurred with the [[Atlantic slave trade]], and with Nigerian and Beninoise Yorùbá emigrating to the United States, the UK, Brazil, and other countries of the Americas and Europe. During the pre-colonial period, many Yoruba were captured and sold into the slave trade and transported to [[Argentina]], [[Brazil]], [[Cuba]], [[Colombia]], [[Dominican Republic]], [[Puerto Rico]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[St. Vincent & The Grenadines]], [[Uruguay]], [[Venezuela]], and other parts of the Americas. With them, they carried their religious beliefs. The school-of-thought integrated into what now constitutes the core of the "New World lineages" which are a variety of Yorùbá-derived contemporary African religions:<ref name="History"/><ref name="Santeria">((cite book|title=Santería Enthroned: Innovation in an Afro-Cuban Religion|first=David H.|last= Brown (Ph.D.)|publisher=[[University of Chicago Press]] |year= 2003|isbn=0-226-07610-5))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://anthrocivitas.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9088 |title=Anthropology: [Yoruba]|author=Oditous|publisher=Anthrocivitas Online |year=2010 |access-date=2011-03-27))</ref><ref name="Concept">((cite book|title=The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts|first=Baba Ifa |last= Karade|publisher=Weiser Books|location= York Beach, New York|year=1994|isbn=0-87728-789-9))</ref>
* [[Candomblé]] ([[Brazil]], [[Argentina]], [[Uruguay]])
* [[Santería]] ([[Cuba]], [[Puerto Rico]], [[Dominican Republic]])
* [[Trinidad Orisha]] ([[Trinidad and Tobago]])
*[[María Lionza|Venezuelan spiritism]] ([[Venezuela]])
* [[Spiritual Baptist]] ([[St. Vincent & The Grenadines]])
* [[Umbanda]] ([[Brazil]], [[Argentina]], [[Uruguay]])

The [[West African Vodun|Vodun]] faith, which originated amongst a different ethnic group (the [[Gbe languages|Gbe speaking]] peoples of present-day [[Benin]], [[Togo]], and [[Ghana]]), holds influential aspects on the [[African diaspora]] in countries such as [[Haiti]] and [[Cuba]], also [[New Orleans]], [[Louisiana]] in the [[United States]].<ref>((cite journal
  | last1=Fandrich|first1=Ina J.|title=Yorùbá Influences on Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo|journal=Journal of Black Studies|volume=37|issue=5 (May)|pages=775–791|year=2007|jstor=40034365|doi=10.1177/0021934705280410|s2cid=144192532))</ref>

In [[Latin America]], Yoruba religion has been in intense [[Syncretism]] with [[Christianity]], [[Indigenous religions in Brazil|Indigenous religions]] and [[Kardecist spiritism|Spiritism]] since the first arrival of African immigrants. In Brazil, the religion of [[Umbanda]] was born from the rich interaction of beliefs that Latin America provided. Followers of [[Umbanda]] typically consider themselves [[Monotheism|Monotheistic]], but honor [[Catholic Saints]] and [[Orisha]] as manifestations from god or as [[Tutelary deity|Tutelary deities]]. Umbanda worship also include elements from [[Native South American]] rituals such as the ritual use of [[Tobacco]] and communication with the spirits of deceased Indian warriors ([[Caboclo]]). ((Citation needed|date=May 2020))

In the 1949 documentary ''Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol en Loíza Aldea'', anthropologist [[Ricardo Alegría]] noted a similar tendency at [[Loíza, Puerto Rico]], arguing that the affinity between the black population in the municipality and the Catholic saint [[James, son of Zebedee|Santiago Apóstol]] may derive from the way in which he is depicted as a warrior; a similar theme to some depictions of Shango and Adams.<ref name="Hernández125">((Harvnb|Hernández|2002|pp=125))</ref> This theory supposed that this resemblance was used by the population as a covert form to honor their ancestral deity. ((Citation needed|date=May 2020))

===Japan===
((Ill|Koshikawa Yoshiaki|ja|越川芳明)), professor of literature at [[Meiji University]], became the first Japanese person to be initiated as a [[babalawo]] in 2013.<ref>((Cite web|url=https://gyoseki1.mind.meiji.ac.jp/mjuhp/KgApp?kyoinId=ymkogeygggy&Language=2|title = Faculty Database - Koshikawa Yoshiaki))</ref>

==References==
===Footnotes===
((Reflist))

===Bibliography===
*((cite book| title=Ricardo Alegría: Una Vida| first=Carmen Dolores|last=Hernández|publisher=Centro de Estudios Avanzados del Caribe, Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades, Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña, Academia Puertorriqueña de Historia|language=es|date=2002|isbn=1563282100))
* ((cite book |last=Voeks |first=Robert A. |title=Sacred Leaves of Candomblé: African Magic, Medicine, and Religion in Brazil |location=Austin, TX |publisher=University of Texas Press |year=1997 |isbn=9780292787315))

==Further reading==
* Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, "Iwure, Efficacious Prayer to Olodumare, the Supreme Force" ((ISBN|978-978-915-402-9))
* Chief S. Solagbade Popoola & Fakunle Oyesanya, [https://web.archive.org/web/20200207141213/http://www.alawoye.com/Ifa_Orunmila_%3A_Alawoye/Book_News_%26_Reviews/Entries/2008/1/9_Ikunle_Abiyamo_-_It_is_on_Bent_Knees_that_I_Gave_Birth%2C_.html Ikunle Abiyamo: The ASE of Motherhood] 2007. ((ISBN|978-0-9810013-0-2))
* Chief S. Solagbade Popoola Library, INC [https://archive.today/20080702201131/http://alawoye.com/Ifa_Orunmila_:_Alawoye/Ifa_Book_News_%26_Reviews/Entries/2008/6/1_Ifa_Didaa_-_Ifa_Consultation_for_the_Beginner_%26_Professional_.html Ifa Dida Volume One (EjiOgbe - Orangun Meji)] ((ISBN|978-0-9810013-1-9))
* Chief S. Solagbade Popoola Library, INC [https://archive.today/20080702201131/http://alawoye.com/Ifa_Orunmila_:_Alawoye/Ifa_Book_News_%26_Reviews/Entries/2008/6/1_Ifa_Didaa_-_Ifa_Consultation_for_the_Beginner_%26_Professional_.html Ifa Dida Volume Three (OyekuOgbe - OyekuFun)] ((ISBN|978-1-926538-24-2))
* [http://www.spiritualtools.org/The-Way-of-the-Orisa-p110.html The Way of the Orisha] by Philip John Neimark: Publisher HarperOne; 1st edition (May 28, 1993) ((ISBN|978-0-06-250557-6))
* ''Olódùmarè : God in Yoruba Belief'' by [[Bolaji Idowu]], Ikeja : Longman Nigeria (1982) ((ISBN|0-582-60803-1))
* Dr.  Jonathan Olumide Lucas, "The Religion of the Yorubas", Lagos 1948, C. M. S. Bookshop.
* ((cite book |title=A Dictionary of Creation Myths |first1=David Adams |last1=Leeming |first2=Margaret Adams |last2= Leeming |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2009 |edition=Oxford Reference Online ))
* ((cite book | author = Morales, Ed | title = The Latin Beat | publisher = Da Capo Press | year = 2003 | isbn = 0-306-81018-2 | url = https://archive.org/details/latinbeatrhythms00mora_0 )), pg. 177
* [[Miguel A. De La Torre]], ''Santería: The Beliefs and Rituals of a Growing Religion in America'', 2004, ((ISBN|0-8028-4973-3)).
* Miguel R. Bances – Baba Eshu Onare, [http://www.tratadosifasanteria.com Tratado Enciclopedico de Ifa]. Los 16 Meyis y sus Omoluos u Odus o Signos de Ifa.
*((cite book | title=The cradle of Yoruba culture | edition = Rev. | publisher=Institute of Yoráubâa Culture ; Center for Spoken Words | author=Ológundúdú, Dayọ̀ ; foreword by Akinṣọla Akiwọwọ | year=2008 | isbn=978-0-615-22063-5))

((Portal|Traditional African religion))

==External links==
((commons category))
* [http://www.photius.com/religion/yoruba.html Yoruban cosmology and mythology]
* [http://www.tratadosifasanteria.com Ifa Books/The 16 Mayis and Omoluos]
* [http://www.alawoye.com Traditional Yorùbá site dedicated to teaching]
* [https://archive.today/20110707103757/http://alawoye.com/Ifa_Orunmila_:_Alawoye/Eko_Ifa_Podcast/Eko_Ifa_Podcast.html Ifa Studies Podcast hosted by Awoyinfa Ifaloju on iTunes]
* [http://www.gbawoniyi.com West African Orisa Tradition of Nigeria]
* [http://www.naijavideos.com/channel/28/yoruba-movies/ Yoruba Movies & Films] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226231118/http://www.naijavideos.com/channel/28/yoruba-movies/ |date=26 February 2023 )) Yoruba Theatre is the origin of Nigeria's Nollywood, the equivalent of America's Hollywood.

((Orisa-Ifá))
((Religion topics))
((Afro-American Religions))
((Yoruba topics))
((Authority control))

((DEFAULTSORT:Yoruba Religion))
[[Category:Religion in Africa]]
[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Traditional African religions]]
[[Category:Yoruba culture]]
[[Category:Yoruba religion| ]]

Pages transcluded onto the current version of this page (help):

Yoruba religion (edit)
Template:1x (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:ASIN (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Afro-American Religions (edit)
Template:Ambox (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Authority control (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Catalog lookup link (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Category handler (view source) (protected)
Template:Check quotation (edit)
Template:Citation (view source) (protected)
Template:Citation needed (view source) (protected)
Template:Cite book (view source) (protected)
Template:Cite journal (view source) (protected)
Template:Cite news (view source) (protected)
Template:Cite web (view source) (protected)
Template:Color (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Commons category (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:DMCA (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Dated maintenance category (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Dated maintenance category (articles) (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Delink (view source) (protected)
Template:FULLROOTPAGENAME (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Find sources mainspace (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Fix (view source) (protected)
Template:Fix/category (view source) (protected)
Template:Flatlist (view source) (protected)
Template:Harvard citation no brackets (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Harvnb (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Hlist (view source) (protected)
Template:Hlist/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Template:ISBN (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Icon (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:If then show (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Ill (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Interlanguage link (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Lang-yo (edit)
Template:Longitem (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Main (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Main other (view source) (protected)
Template:More citations needed (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Navbox (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Navbox with collapsible groups (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Ns has subpages (view source) (protected)
Template:Orisa-Ifá (edit)
Template:Orisa-Ifá sidebar (edit)
Template:Pagetype (view source) (protected)
Template:Plainlist/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Template:Portal (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Portal-inline (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Reflist (view source) (protected)
Template:Reflist/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Template:Religion topics (view source) (semi-protected)
Template:SDcat (view source) (protected)
Template:See also (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Separated entries (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Sfn (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Short description (view source) (protected)
Template:Short description/lowercasecheck (view source) (protected)
Template:Side box (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Sidebar (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Sidebar with collapsible lists (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Sister project (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Tooltip (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Tooltip/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Traditional African religion (edit)
Template:Traditional African religions (edit)
Template:Unreferenced (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Unreferenced section (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Use dmy dates (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Webarchive (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Yesno (view source) (protected)
Template:Yesno-no (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Yesno-yes (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Yoruba topics (edit)
Template:\ (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Arguments (view source) (protected)
Module:Authority control (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Authority control/config (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Catalog lookup link (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Category handler (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/blacklist (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/data (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/shared (view source) (protected)
Module:Check for unknown parameters (view source) (protected)
Module:Check isxn (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Citation/CS1 (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/COinS (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Date validation (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Identifiers (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Whitelist (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Delink (view source) (protected)
Module:Disambiguation/templates (view source) (protected)
Module:EditAtWikidata (view source) (protected)
Module:Exponential search (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Find sources (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Find sources/config (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Find sources/links (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Find sources/templates/Find sources mainspace (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Footnotes (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Footnotes/anchor id list (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Footnotes/anchor id list/data (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Footnotes/whitelist (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Format link (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Hatnote (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Hatnote/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Hatnote list (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Icon (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Icon/data (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Labelled list hatnote (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Lang (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Lang/ISO 639 synonyms (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Lang/data (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Language/data/iana languages (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Language/data/iana regions (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Language/data/iana scripts (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Language/data/iana suppressed scripts (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Language/data/iana variants (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:List (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box/ambox.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box/configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Namespace detect/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Namespace detect/data (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbar (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbar/configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbar/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbox (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Navbox/configuration (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Navbox/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Navbox with collapsible groups (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Ns has subpages (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/disambiguation (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/setindex (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/softredirect (view source) (protected)
Module:Portal (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Portal-inline (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Portal/images/aliases (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Portal/images/t (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Portal/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:SDcat (view source) (protected)
Module:Separated entries (view source) (protected)
Module:Side box (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Side box/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Sidebar (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Sidebar/configuration (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Sidebar/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:String (view source) (protected)
Module:TableTools (view source) (protected)
Module:Unicode data (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Unicode data/scripts (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Unsubst (view source) (protected)
Module:Webarchive (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Webarchive/data (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:WikidataIB (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:WikidataIB/nolinks (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:WikidataIB/titleformats (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Wikitext Parsing (view source) (protected)
Module:Yesno (view source) (protected)

Return to Yoruba religion.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoruba_religion"