TYPE: Fertility God
ORIGIN: Yoruba [Nigeria, West Africa]
INFORMATION: The first deity engendered by the creator god Olodumare. His consort is Yemowo. Among other responsibilities, he makes barren women fertile and shapes the fetus in the womb. He is considered to be the sculptor of mankind. He is depicted wearing white robes and symbolizes cleanliness. Offerings include coconuts and corn. A jar of clean water is carried by a priestess to his sanctuary each morning and the water is drunk by women to make them fertile. ALso Orishanla (Archaic); Orisha-Popo; Orisha-Ogiyan; Orisha-Ijaye.