orisha
/ɔˈriʃə/
noun
- A spirit or deity in the Yoruba religion of West Africa, often representing a force of nature or a human activity.
- The festival honored the orisha of the river with music and offerings.
- In Yoruba tradition, each orisha governs a specific aspect of life, such as love or war.
- Many people in the Americas continue to worship orishas brought over by enslaved Africans.