Orunmila and Eshu

Orunmila and Eshu (trickster) are, perhaps, two of the most celebrating orishas, gods, in Yoruba tradition in Nigeria. Orunmila is the god of certainty and also represents destiny. Eshu is the god of uncertainty and he is also considered the messenger of the gods. Together, the two personify the oral tradition which states, "order does not exist without disorder." Together, they also represent an important aspect of Yoruba's worldview, change.



Eshu's image is the more ubiquitous of the two God's, although Orunmila is equally revered. Eshu is celebrating in all walks of life, including the market place. He receives much praise from the Yoruba people. Orunmila is also celebrated more discretely.



In a divination process, ifa, which occurs every 4 days, Orunmila's influence on society is marked.



Using a Opon Ifa (divination board), a flat plate-like circular object that facilitates ababalowa's attempt to explain peoples destiny. In the ritual, the tray is sprinkled with special wood. Then 16 palm nuts are thrown onto the tray, which creates a configuration of 8 sets of signs. Their are 256 possible configurations that are all associated with oral literature. The babalowa chants, to evoke Eshu and Orunmila, and to deliever one's destiny. The client interjects to relate the message to their own lives.

To assist in the ritual an Iroke is tapped upon the board. The Iroke is carved from Ivory in the image of a kneeling woman. The position represents supplication, and also serves as a intermediary between the gods and the clients.

Both Orunmila and Eshu represent change.
Dance wand made of leather, wood, cowries, shells, and brass decorate shrines and are used in processions and festivals. The phallic suggestions are indicative of the role of Eshu in male sexuality.