Obba illustration by Luis Bencomo
Obba, or Obba Nani, is the Orisha of the home. She is the first and legitimate wife of Shango. A talented warrior, she taught Shango how to fight with a sword and Oya how to fight with a cutlass. When she comes down, she covers one ear because in a pataki (sacred myth) she cut it off in an attempt to win back Shango’s love. Furious at this act of self-mutilation, Shango banished her and Obba went to live in the cemetery, the only place Shango would never go. In the cemetery, she records the names of all the dead before they are interred with Yewa in the grave. More than just this, she is also the inventor of written language, patron of libraries and maps, and the Orisha of marriage. She reminds us to never hurt ourselves for love, that self-sacrifice for those we love must have its limits, and that all women should be respected. Maferefun Obba Nani!