Obatala, Ọbàtálá in Yoruba, is one of the oldest and most senior of the orishas. His name is usually translated "king of the white cloth", and white, the colour of purity, clarity and calm, belongs to him.
The sculptor of humankind
In Yoruba tradition, Obatala was charged by the supreme God, Olódùmarè, with helping to create the world and with shaping the first human bodies from clay; Olódùmarè then gave them the breath of life. Because of this, Obatala is regarded as the protector of all human beings, and especially of those born with differences, who are understood to be under his particular care.
Purity and wisdom
Obatala is associated with wisdom, patience and moral purity. His devotees traditionally dress in white and avoid certain foods and drinks in his honour. He is revered as a calm, elderly figure whose judgement is sought in disputes among the orishas.
In the Americas
In Cuban Lucumí he is known as Obatalá and is associated with Our Lady of Mercy, and in Brazilian Candomblé as Oxalá. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds Yoruba objects connected with his worship.
Obatala in jewellery
An Obatala design honours the orisha of creation and purity, a figure of calm authority in Yoruba religion.
See the AURYN design, or read our introduction to the Yoruba orishas.
