Elekes

Elekes, acrylic on canvas painting by Puertorrican artist Jose ‘Pepe’ Ibanez, 36 x 48

“Elekes” is the Yoruba word for beads and it’s used to refer to the 5 beaded necklaces initiates wear to represent the 5 pillar Orisha in the Lucumí tradition (Eshu/Elegua, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, and Chango). These necklaces are the banners of the Orisha and serve to place the wearer under their protection.