The Orishas
This series of illustrations focuses on the Orishas, Afro-diasporic deities that come from the African religion Ifa. The practice was brought over to the Americas during the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade. Santería, heavily practiced within Latin and Afro-Caribbean communities, emerged when the Orishas became syncretized with the Catholic Saints; this was in order for the religion to be practiced in secret. In this series, I illustrated this occurrence, and made others based on the oral history and the relationships the Orishas have amongst each other.
Oya // St. Teresa
This piece depicts Oya, a warrior Orisha who has power over the winds and resides over the dead, She is one of Shango’s wives. One of the Catholic figures Oya is syncretized with is St. Teresa.
Oshun // Lady of Charity
This illustration depicts Oshun, the Yoruba Goddess who resides over rivers and has divinity over love and pleasure, with her counterpart, Our Lady of Charity. Oshun is the sister of Yemayá, and the mother to the Ibeji Twins.
Yemayá // Our Lady of Regla
Depicted in this illustration is Yemayá, the Goddess of motherhood and the sea, with her counterpart, Our Lady of Regla.
Obatalá Creates
This illustration depicts Obatalá, the creator of humanity, forming the first humans out of clay. Because of this Obatalá is the owner of all heads and is everyone’s guardian/head Orisha. Obatalá also is considered an androgynous deity as their paths are split with an equal amount of male and female avatars. They are a very peaceful deity and is said to be the mediator to many of the Orishas’ quarrels.
Shango and Oshun
This is an illustration showing the relationship between Shango, the Orisha of virility, strength and lightning with one of his wives, Oshun, the Orisha of love and magic; The two divine beings are accompanied with their respective symbols within the image as they approach one another with a flirtatious and coy gaze.