Sketch of the sea god Olokun based on a bronze figure holding
lizards in his hands. The figure depicts Olokun with mudfish legs and wearing a royal coral dress.
Sketch made by Rei Inamoto.
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Olokun, the sea god of the Yoruba people, lives in a palace under the sea,
with human and fish attendants. His name means "owner of the sea". Once,
Olokun challenged the sky god, Olorun. The winner would be the god with
the finest clothes.
The people would decide the winner. Olorun sent his
attendant, Chameleon to compete with Olokun. Chameleon matched whatever
Olokun wore. Olokun finally gave up the challenge, and Olorun was declared
the winner.
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