Obba Tureen 12 Orisha Soup tureen approx. 10" x 10" in
In Santería (La Regla de Ocha), Obbá (also written Oba, Obbatalá Ayá, or Obbá Nani) is an Orisha of marriage, fidelity, sacrifice, and deep emotional strength. She is one of the most misunderstood and powerful female Orishas.
Here’s an overview of who she is:
Who Obbá Is
Orisha of loyalty, devoted love, and sacrifice
Associated with marriage, commitment, the home, and the suffering that can come from love
Represents emotional endurance, perseverance, and wisdom earned through hardship
Protector of people who have experienced heartbreak, betrayal, or emotional wounds
Major Story (Pataki)
One of the most well-known patakís explains that Obbá, trying to please her husband Changó, followed bad advice from Ochún and cut off her ear to put it in his food.
When Changó became disgusted and rejected her, she fled in shame and grief, eventually becoming a powerful and withdrawn Orisha associated with transformation through pain.
(Note: Patakís vary by lineage; different ilés may teach different versions.)
Attributes and Symbols
Colors: pink and yellow, sometimes brown or red depending on lineage
Tools: shield, sword, ear motif, headwrap
Sacred number: 8
Offerings: sweet foods, flowers, fruits, especially those associated with home and devotion