| Other names | Yemòó, Iyemowo, Yèyé Mòwó |
|---|---|
| Member of | Orisha |
| Venerated in | Yoruba religion |
| Deity of | Water · Creation · Maternity |
| Color | white, sky blue |
| Region | Yorubaland |
| Cult center | Ile-Ife |
| Ethnic group | Yoruba |
| Consort | Ọbatala |
In Yoruba religion, Yemowo (Yoruba: Yemòwó; or Yemòó) is an oriṣa of water, maternity and creation, and her consort is Ọbatala.[1]
Etymology
From the Yoruba words iye/iya (“mother”) and mòwó, literally “Mother Mòwó”.
Worship
Yemòwó's role in the modern Yoruba religion has been severely relegated to only Ifẹ despite the widespread worship of her husband Ọbatala.[2][3] This is probably because many other female deities have taken her role.[a][4]
See also
Notes
- ^ For example, Yemòó is usually replaced by Yemọja as the consort of Ọbatala and the deity who aided Ọbatala in creating humans in stories.
References
- ^ African Religions: A Symposium. (1977). United Kingdom: NOK Publishers.
- ^ Ray, B. C. (2000). African religions : symbol, ritual, and community. United Kingdom: Prentice Hall.
- ^ Ife: Annals of the Institute of Cultural Studies, University of Ife, Nigeria. (1986). Nigeria: Institute of Cultural Studies, University of Ife, Nigeria.
- ^ Journal of Religion in Africa: Religion en Afrique. (1967). Netherlands: Brill.