Ọba (orisha)
| Ọba | |
|---|---|
Domesticity, passing of time and life, homemaking, fidelity, the River Ọbà | |
| Member of Orisha | |
| Other names | Ọbá, Ọbà |
| Venerated in | Yoruba religion, Umbanda, Candomble, Santeria, Haitian Vodou, Folk Catholicism |
| Symbol | lightning, the sword or machete, the flywhisk, water buffalo |
| Color | pink |
| Region | Nigeria, Benin, Latin America |
| Ethnic group | Yoruba |
| Genealogy | |
| Spouse | Shango |
Ọbà (known as Obá in Latin America) is the orisha of the River Oba, the source of which lies near Igbon, where her worship originates. During the wars of the 19th century, her centers of worship moved to the more secure town Ogbomosho. She is traditionally identified as the senior wife of Shango (the third king of the Oyo Empire and an orisha). Oba metaphorically "gave her ear" to Shango by listening and being attentive to her husband. She represents stability and sacred bonds. She is syncretized with Saint Catherine of Siena.