TYPE: River Goddess
ORIGIN: Yoruba [Nigeria, West Africa]
INFORMATION: The daughter of Oba Jumu and Oba Do and the consort of the god Shango. The guardian deity of the river Osun, revered particularly in the towns and villages along the banks of the river where sacred weapons are kept in her shrines. Also a goddess of healing. She is worshiped particularly by women and is honored in an annual festival, the Ibo-Osun, during which new cultic priestesses are selected.