Odu
/ˈoʊ.duː/noun
In Yoruba Ifá divination, an odu is one of the sacred signs or configurations used to interpret a person’s circumstances and destiny.
Did you know?The Ifá system traditionally recognizes 256 primary and combined Odu, each associated with verses, myths, ritual instructions, and spiritual counsel.
Etymological Timeline
Precolonial period
Yoruba
odù
“A sign, configuration, or sacred pattern in the Ifá divination system”
18th–19th Century
Yoruba
odù Ifá
“An Ifá divination sign, literally an Odu associated with the oracle system”
19th Century
English
odu
“A Yoruba religious and divinatory term encountered in descriptions of Ifá”
20th Century
English
Odu
“A named sign or chapter-like configuration in Ifá literature”
Modern English
English
odu
“One of the sacred signs used in Yoruba Ifá divination”