Oriṣẹ

Itsekiri

Etymology

The etymology of the term is unclear (perhaps from Proto-Yoruboid *ò-rìsà, Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ̀-rɪ̀cà, or Proto-Yoruboid *ò-rìcà). May have originally referred to the sky or rainfall, a sense which is still used in some contexts but is rare.

See cognates Yoruba Òrìṣà, Èkìtì and Ifẹ̀ Yoruba Ọ̀rị̀ṣà, Igbo Òlìsà, Urhobo Oyise, Edo Òsà and Òìsà, Ebira Oricha, and Fon Lisà.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ò.ɾì.ʃɛ̀/

Proper noun

Òrìṣẹ̀

1. the supreme being
2. (Christianity) the Lord, God

Related terms

• umalẹ̀ (“spirits”)