door_front Vodun culture

Legba, guardian of the roads

Legba (or Eshu among the Yoruba) is the messenger between the gods and humans in the Vodun pantheon. A statue at the entrance of compounds, he guards the roads and carries prayers.

schedule 5 min
signal_cellular_alt All levels
1
Role

Guardian and messenger

Legba has 3 main functions in Vodun:

GuardianProtects the entrance of homes
MessengerCarries prayers to the gods
TricksterPlays tricks to test people
Path-openerRemoves obstacles
2
Statue

Appearance and offerings

The traditional statue of Legba:

ShapeMound of earth, sometimes with a phallus
CowriesEyes and mouth made of cowries
Palm oilPoured regularly
LiquorSodabi as an offering
FeathersChicken sacrifices

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3
Vocabulary

Fon words linked to Legba

LegbaThe god himself
Ali nuOn the road (where he resides)
VodunsíVodun initiate
Bɔkɔnɔ̀Diviner / Vodun priest
Jɔ̀Sacrifice / offering
info

Important

In Benin and Togo, people say “before speaking to Mawu, you speak to Legba” — he is the first intermediary of every Vodun prayer.

The first door of Vodun

Understanding Legba = understanding the logic of Vodun : no dialogue with the sacred without his intercession.

Danxomɛ
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