I am studying the Cuban House for Elegguá. It is a wooden model house covered in red and black beads, a wooden face, and cowry shells. It is a representation of the god Elegguá or Eshu who is the crossroads god. Elegguá has the power to make all things happen. He represents all the possible paths of life. He is the messenger for all Orisha (gods). I am researching this object because I want a better understanding of how the crossroads work in the Cuban Santeria religion, and what sociological significance they hold. Understanding the sociological significance of the crossroads will help my reader understand the indigenous concepts of power and how western society demonizes what they cannot fully understand.

In class, we have talked on multiple occasions about Eshu and his powers as the crossroads god. Elegguá/ Eshu is this little god who has the ability to make life problematic or painless. Elegguá has power over everyone due to the fact that he is the messenger for all Orishas. In Flash of the Spirit Thompson talks about Eshu and his characterization as “ ‘The devil’ ”(Flash19) by missionaries. Thompson then continues to describe Eshu and show the reader that he isn’t “The Devil” but is “Outwardly mischievous but inwardly full of overflowing grace”(Flash 19). Thompson caps it off by saying that he cannot be characterized even by his own people “Even his names compound his mystery” (Flash 19). This is due to the fact that Eshu has many different names such as Eshu, Elegbara, Elegguá, and Elegba. He is known as “The childless wanderer” (flash 19) or “owner of power”(flash 19). It is incredibly interesting how Eshu has this power that connects all of these followers with their gods and for the most part binds their society together.

To fully develop my understanding of Elegguá/Eshu and indigenous concepts of power I am going to look at articles on Eshu to increase my understanding of his responsibilities and his ties to other Orisha. I would like to look at journals and recordings of Elegguá festivals and ceremonies so that I can build background knowledge. Finally, I hope to find some sort of interview with a religious figure in which questions are asked about the significance of Elegguá/ Esu in these religions.

Jack Bechtold