THIS IS NOT CONSECRATED (FED AND BLESSED) Blessing is extra.
Intricately Carved By Awo Artisans In Oyo, Yoruba Land
Ask about feeding and blessings.
Oya was one of the most important deities in Yoruban mythology and she was also one of the most loved. The people revered her and invoked her aid when in times of trouble. Oya’s worship is still active and continues to this day.
People prayed to Oya daily and made traditional offerings of acaraje/akara to the goddess. Acaraje was made by peeling or crushing beans, which were then shaped into balls and fried in palm oil (dende). A simpler, unseasoned form of it was often used in rituals. Acaraje is also a common street food, but special acarje was made just for the goddess.
Although she was a benevolent goddess who loved her people, Oya was fierce and had a fiery demeanor. She was both feared and loved and for good reason: she was a loving and protective mother but if necessary, she could become a terrifying warrior in a fraction of a second and destroy entire villages, causing great suffering. She didn’t tolerate dishonestly, deceit and injustice and no one was foolish enough to anger her.
She is also the patron of the Niger River, known as the Odo-Oya to the Yorubans.
