OSHUN - GODDESS OF LOVE
In Africa, and in areas where African's have emigrated (the Carribean, portions of South and North America ), this river Goddess has a dominent place in religious rites. Known
specially for her sweetness, she is Goddess of Love, but she, like Kali, has a dark side and
knows secrets by divination. She learned these arts from the god Obatala, who taught her
to read the future from seashells. She then imparted this ability to fortell to her ‘orisas' (women devotees).
This painting shows Oshun as she is seen on brass bracelets worn by her priestesses, and on
metal fans. The ritual fans are unique to her worship. Decorated with bells, engraved with
her image, with plants and water animals ( turtles, fish and snakes), the fans may have
magic substances inlaid in their handles to increase their power. Their function is one of
cooling her divine energy. As a river Goddess, Oshun is shown on bracelets as a double-
tailed mermaid.
As the goddess of love and fertility, she is shown being impregnated by the twin gods
Obnifun and Owari, painted below her. Her upraised hands hold a golden chain with which
“ I tie all my people together" She, like Kali, also holds a pot of honey. This is the favorite
offering of women to her and in myth Oshun is said to “spray herself with honey and tie
yellow scarves around her waist. Her beautiful breasts glisten in the sun.” In the painting
she wears five yellow silken scarves and five peacock feathers in her crown.