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Shopona
Also known as: Sopona, Sakpata, Omolu, Obaluaye
By Elizabeth Stein for Mythos Atlas. About the author. Editorial notes are grounded in the site's cited sources and can be challenged through the contact page.
Interactive 3D representation
About Shopona
The Lord of Infectious Disease
Shopona is the Orisha of disease, particularly smallpox, which was once the most feared killer in West Africa. He is both the bringer of epidemics and the healer of the sick.
The Hidden Face
Shopona is always depicted with his face covered, usually with straw or raffia. This represents both the disfiguring effects of smallpox and the belief that to see his true face would bring immediate death.
Divine Justice
Shopona does not strike randomly. He is an agent of divine justice, punishing thieves, liars, and those who violate sacred laws with disease.
The Healer
Paradoxically, Shopona is also a healer. His priests were among the first to practice a form of variolation (primitive vaccination).
The End of Smallpox
With the eradication of smallpox in 1980, Shopona's domain has shifted to include all infectious diseases.
Origin Story
Shopona emerged from the earth itself, embodying the power of disease that lives in the soil and spreads through communities.
Cross-Pantheon Parallels
Similar deities across different mythologies
- Apollo(greek-pantheon)
Both can bring plague and also healing, representing divine justice
Primary Sources
Historical texts and references
“Shopona, whose face none may see, who walks at night spreading red flowers on the skin.”
Domains
diseasehealingearthsmallpoxjustice
Symbols
straw-covered facebroomred and black beadscowries