Santeria eye
December 14, 2007 11:50 AM Subscribe
Anyone familiar with the wooden/ceramic (?) "eye" that is mounted over doorways by adherents of Santeria.
Any idea what it's called? Recommend any good botanicas in Miami to purchase one?
Any idea what it's called? Recommend any good botanicas in Miami to purchase one?
If it's stone or ceramic eye, it's the eye of Eleggua, who is a sort of Mercury/Loki figure, messenger and protector of the Orichas and the guardian of entrances, crossroads, and choices. He's the bridge between outside and inside world, god and mortal. He's the first "god" you accept in entering Santeria. His power is considered too strong to be held inside a house, and so he stays on the thresholds, the doorways. Entering a house in which Santeria is practiced always means passing Eluggua. In legends he is almost always seen standing "in the doorway".
In Cuba homes often seem to use a stone (or more often cement) eye near the main entrance. In South America and some parts of Africa (I think), he's more likely to be a tiny stone head in the doorway. This is anecdotal, though. Traditions vary.
Traditionally, he is fed before all others present. Lucky god.
posted by rokusan at 1:07 PM on December 14, 2007 [1 favorite]
In Cuba homes often seem to use a stone (or more often cement) eye near the main entrance. In South America and some parts of Africa (I think), he's more likely to be a tiny stone head in the doorway. This is anecdotal, though. Traditions vary.
Traditionally, he is fed before all others present. Lucky god.
posted by rokusan at 1:07 PM on December 14, 2007 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Then its to ward off the Evil eye or El Ojo.
posted by ozomatli at 12:20 PM on December 14, 2007