Ellegua

In Yoruba mythology, Ellegua is an Orisha (spirit) associated with "opening the ways", or crossroads. Often depicted as a child or a small man, he is a playful and a trickster god.

Worshippers often have a cement head with a metal spike in the top, and cowrie shells for eyes and mouth, as a representation of Ellegua which receives offerings and protects in return.

Santeria practitioners often have an Ellegua head behind their front door as he is said to protect the entry way and prevent harm from entering the dwelling.

Receiving a consecrated Ellegua head is part of the Santeria initiation known as Los Guerreros (the Warriors).

Ellegua is said to like candy, toys, and coconut as offerings, or anything children would enjoy. In return he helps people overcome various problems.

In the Ifá tradition practiced by the Babalawo, ellegua is used to open the way for the god of prophesy orunmila.

It is said that Ellegua is a manifestation of Eshu, a primordial force that spawned out of a rock. The mother of Ellegua is said to be Oya. Ellegua's fills a similar role in Santeria as Papa Legba in Vodou.

ee also

* Eleggua
* Papa Legba