Oko (Orisha)

Oko
Agriculture
Member of Orisha
Representation of Oko by Carybé, Museu Afro-Brasileiro, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Other names Ocó
Venerated in Yoruba religion, Dahomey mythology, Vodun, Santería, Candomblé
Color White
Region Nigeria, Benin, Latin America
Ethnic group Yoruba people, Fon people

Òrìșà-Oko (known as Ocó in Latin America) is an Orisha.[1] In Yorubaland of Nigeria and Benin Republic, he is a strong hunter deity as well as a fighter against sorcery. He is associated with the annual new harvest of the white African yam. Among the deities he is considered a close friend of Oosa Ogiyan and Shango as well as at one time husband of Oya and Yemoja.

Òrìșà-Oko is depicted with a wooden staff, called a òpásórò, a representation of his relation with trees; and flute made of bone, a representation of sexuality and fertility. It is confused with Oxalá, since both dress white. Bees are considered the messengers Òrìșà-Oko.

Òrìșà-Oko is considered to have the power to cure malaria; a sickness associated with agricultural workers. He is a referee of conflicts, especially among women. He also judges disputes between the orixás.

Slaves taken to Brazil give little importance to Orisha-Oko.

He is syncretized with Saint Isidore among cuban orisa practitioners of Santería/Lucumí/Regla de Ocha, et al.

References

  1. ↑ Adeoye, C. L. (1989). Ìgbàgbọ́ àti ẹ̀sìn Yorùba (in Yoruba). Ibadan: Evans Bros. Nigeria Publishers. pp. 270–279. ISBN 9781675098.


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