The Eshú Elegguá with two faces and other representations: Meet the Pataki

One of the most cultured deities due to its large number of followers is Eshu-Elegguá.

Eshú is represented in different ways, many times depending on the country where it is worshiped.

The different representations of Eshú Eleguá according to his cult:

In the African lands it is represented as pillars made of hardened red mud or rocks, always highlighting its obvious penis.

Cowries and pieces of glass are inserted into these mud piles, and all passersby can greet him as they pass and make offerings to them.

Other countries like Haiti usually represent it in wood as a mound of fired clay, which is placed in houses, crossroads and roads.

It is also usually symbolized by figures in a crouched position with their gaze towards his large penis, confirming its reproductive function.

Eshú can also be represented by a man on horseback who carries a sword in his right hand.

Attributes that characterize the deity Eshú in Cuba:

In Cuba and the rest of America, this deity has differences regarding its representation and attributes.

Eshú is sometimes represented in concrete as a human head with eyes, nose and mouth. The cowrie (snail) highlights the eyes and the mouth, in some cases it has them inserted in the ornamental head, one adorned with a parrot feather and others with a rooster.

These feathers are usually threaded to a C-shaped nail and their end is generally sharp. It also wears a ring of yellow and green beads or in some cases black and red.

This Eshú is prepared by the Ifá priests (Babalawos) and is placed in a clay receptacle.

Almost always when preparing Eshú, it carries with it a stone that can be from a path, a cave, the river, the sea, a hill. The rest of Eshú's burden is only the responsibility of the Ifá priest.

The Olorishas also have their way of preparing Eshú, they choose a stone, consecrate it with the appropriate herbs, sacrifice to it what is prescribed and add twenty-one Cowries that are considered the mouth of the Orisha, the Diloggún through which he speaks.

Some Eshú are represented in the same way, but with two faces, while others are cemented to the clay pot, or made of wood in the shape of a disfigured human figure, others also of a snail.

The two-faced Eshú Elegguá:

The two-faced Elegguá was born in Osa Ogbe, also called Osa Logbe and Osalo Fobeyo.

In this sign are born:

Eshu Griyelu: Elegguá son of Nanu and Olofin. He lives in a doll with two attached bodies that are carved out of aroma stick.
Eshu Ashiyelu: Large candles are lit for this Elegguá and he always has to be behind the front door.
Eshu Zambeto: This Elegguá is from Arará land, works at night and is the hunter of Egguns.

Pataki Why does Eshú have two faces?

One day Olofin told Elegguá:

I will be in the mountains and when I blow you, you must find me. If you find me, I'll send you to Orunmila to consecrate you in Ifá.

Olofin then hid behind a banana plant, he was whistling, but Eshú could not see him.

Eshú was already very angry and out of control for not being able to see him, so Shango passed by and when he saw Eshú so upset he asked him what was wrong with him.

He then tells him everything that happens and Shango tells him: you will see that we will fix it.