Obatala

The King of the White Cloth

Obatala, whose name means 'King of the White Cloth,' is one of the most important Orishas. He was given the task of creating the physical world and shaping human bodies, making him the father of humanity.

The Creation Story

Olodumare sent Obatala to create land from the primordial waters. He was given a chain, a snail shell filled with sand, a white hen, and a palm nut. Descending from heaven, he poured the sand on the water and set the hen loose to scatter it, forming the first land at Ile-Ife. However, Obatala became drunk on palm wine during the creation of humans, which is why some people are born with disabilities.

The White Orisha

Obatala is associated with all things white: white cloth, white beads, white animals, and cool, calm energy. His priests wear white exclusively, and offerings to him include white foods: coconut, white yam, snails, and rice.