The Agogo of Obatalá, tool of the Orisha who owns all heads

The agogo It is the ceremonial bell with which it is invoked through its ringing at the Orisha Obatala, major deity of the Yoruba Pantheon and owner of all heads.

This is received in the Osha as an accessory tool that lives outside the tureen of this saint, but that accompanies him permanently during the spiritual life of his material representation on the earth plane.

Reason why it is believed that he receives all the holy consecrations and knows the secrets of the Osha's room.

This is how an Agogo de Obatalá should look

This tool can be made with silver as this is the sacred metal of the Orisha, but for economic reasons the most used material for its construction is stainless steel, which is very resistant and has a bright silver color.

The agogo It has a conical shape, cephalo-caudally, it has a thin upper end called the handle by which it is held.

In its hollow interior a metallic piece hangs thanks to which the sound is produced when it collides with the conical silver walls.

How is Obatala invoked by the sound of his bell?

When invoking the Orisha Obatalá we must bear in mind that he is a pleasant deity of peace, which is why the ringing of his bell must be paused, marking a cadence.

To call it the santero discovers his tureen having asked the saint for permission, then he must kneel on a mat, take the agogo with his left hand and then make it ring.

The sound of Agogo it scares death and dark spirits, just as it drives away osogbos and disease from the ilé (house) where the devotee dwells.

The religious also uses this tool to thank the Orisha for a good obtained.

It should be noted that the agogo is a key piece within the saint's room where it is used as a ritual tool in the consummations of many of their secret ceremonies.

How is the Agogo consecrated in the Osha?

The Agogo of Obatala he receives his first consecration during Osha where he participates in the immolation of the animals that are sacrificed to the deity, he is also washed with the omiero made with the saint's own ewes (herbs).

This tool is refreshed with cascarilla, cocoa butter, coconut water and brandy, in the same way that it can be cleaned with a cotton ball.