Obatalá White Bead Necklaces, Eleke Style, Set of 12

Twelve white bead strands. Each necklace is about 30 inches, long enough to wear over the head.

A botánica supply quantity. A dozen strands is the working format for houses, godparents, and craft use.

Unconsecrated. Elekes are received in ceremony, and these strands carry no consecration.

• Contents: 12 white bead necklaces, about 30 inches each
• Sold as devotional and craft supply; not consecrated

In Santería (Lucumí), initiates are given beaded necklaces called elekes or collares, each in the colors of a specific orisha. Obatalá, whose name means "King of White Cloth," is honored in white. An eleke's meaning comes from the ceremony in which a godparent gives it, so a shop can sell the beads but not the eleke itself. Those drawn to Obatalá are best served by learning from practitioners within the tradition.

1. If you belong to a house, use the strands as your elders direct.
2. For devotional wear outside the tradition, wear them as white prayer beads and don't present them as elekes.
3. For craft work, restring the 30-inch strands.
4. Store the strands clean, in a cloth bag.

• Obatalá Incense Sticks by Sree Vani, 120 Sticks: devotional incense for Obatalá.
• Orisha Obatalá Oil by Espiritu, 2 Dram: a devotional oil for Obatalá.
• Black Velveteen Bag: a clean place to keep the strands.

Are these consecrated elekes?

No. Elekes are given in ceremony by a godparent within the tradition. These are unconsecrated white bead strands in the traditional style.

What color is Obatalá's eleke?

White. Obatalá's name means "King of White Cloth," and white is his color.

Who is this set for?

The set is mainly for houses, practitioners, and botánica customers who use white strands in quantity, and for anyone who wants respectful white devotional beads.

How long is each necklace?

About 30 inches, long enough to slip over the head.