The play features key Orishas such as Yemanja (Obatala's wife), Shango, Eshu, and Ogun.
Ulli Beier, Obotunde Ijimere and Theopaneia in The Imprisonment of Obatala
John Pepper Clark's poem, "The Imprisonment of Obatala," offers a different, more lyrical take on the deity. The poem is a vivid and imagistic piece, with lines like "Those stick-insect figures! they rock the dance / Of snakes...". The author's note accompanying the poem clarifies its inspiration: "Obatala is Yoruba creator God. His annual festival contains a ritual imprisonment of the God and his subsequent liberation. The poem is inspired by a batik by Susanne Wenger". This line reveals that the "imprisonment" refers to a ritual reenactment of the god's capture and release, which scholars have confirmed is part of the annual Obatala festival at Ede.
In the Yoruba cosmological tradition (Ifá), Obatala (also known as Orisanla) is the Orisha tasked by Olodumare (the Supreme Creator) with molding human bodies from clay. He wears white, symbolizes purity, ethical character (Iwa Pele), and rules the head (Ori). the imprisonment of obatala pdf free download verified
Through the tricks of Eshu (the god of fate), Obatala is wrongfully accused and imprisoned by Shango.
The Imprisonment of Obatala: Myth, Meaning, and Finding Verified Texts
– AbeBooks, eBay, or Alibris often list the 1966 Heinemann edition for $8–15. Search for ISBN: 0435900275. The play features key Orishas such as Yemanja
Shango’s servants capture Obatala, falsely accusing him of stealing Shango's favorite horse.
The suffering of the land during Obatala's confinement teaches that societal injustice disrupts the natural and spiritual order. A community cannot thrive while the innocent are oppressed.
WorldCat is the most powerful tool for finding a physical or digital copy through a local library. Its entries provide a comprehensive summary, stating that "Obatala is based on a Yoruba myth, which explores the philosophy of Yoruba orisha worship". they rock the dance / Of snakes
When Obatala finally nears the palace of Oyo, he spots Shango’s runaway horse. Attempting to catch the animal and return it to his friend, Obatala is spotted by Shango’s palace guards. Seeing a traveler dressed in stained clothing handling the king’s prized horse, the guards mistake Obatala for a thief.
Along the road, Obatala encounters Eshu, the divine trickster and master of crossroads. Eshu tests Obatala's patience multiple times, tricking him into helping carry heavy loads that spill dark palm oil over Obatala's pristine white robes. True to his vow of peace, Obatala does not lose his temper; he simply washes himself and continues forward. 3. The Misunderstanding in Oyo
The Imprisonment of Obatala: Myth, Meaning, and the Search for Authentic Texts