Obatala

Obatala is a deity in the Yoruba religion of Nigeria, West Africa. He is considered the creator of human bodies and is associated with peace, purity, and creativity.

In Yoruba mythology, Obatala is said to have been the first of the gods to descend to Earth, sent by Olodumare (the creator god) to create the world. He was given a chisel and a chicken, which he used to carve the hills and valleys of the Earth. After he had finished shaping the land, he created plants and animals to populate it.

When it came time to create human beings, Obatala had a vision of what they should look like, but he became so engrossed in his work that he forgot to include a soul. So, he asked Olodumare to send down a soul to inhabit the bodies he had created. Olodumare sent down Orunmila, the god of wisdom, to endow human bodies with souls.

Because of this mistake, Obatala is sometimes associated with the colours white and red, which symbolize purity and the blood of life, respectively. He is also associated with the colours yellow and gold, which represent royalty and divinity.

Obatala is often depicted as a wise and benevolent figure, with many followers who believe that he can help them achieve their goals and overcome obstacles. He is also associated with the Osun River, which is considered to be sacred in the Yoruba religion. Many people make offerings and perform sacrifices to Obatala at the river in order to gain his favour and receive his blessings.

Overall, Obatala is an essential figure in Yoruba mythology and religion and is revered as a creator god and a source of wisdom and guidance.