People commemorate one of these beings on Candlemas by sending gifts for her on small boats out to sea. Stones representing these beings are held in porcelain vessels named soperas. All-white clothing is worn to invoke one of these figures referred to as the “Father of Creation.” Small cement heads are often erected outside homes to obtain the protection of one of these figures who wears a red and black hat named Elegua. Drums called bata are played to summon these figures in the hope that they will possess people who are attending a feast. In the practice of matanza, animals are sacrificed to these beings, who were sent to Earth by Olódùmarè. For 10 points, religions like Candomblé and Santeria syncretize Catholic saints with what spirits from Yoruba religion? ■END■
ANSWER: orishas [or orisas; or òrìṣàs; or orichas; or orichás; or orixas; or orixás]
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= Average correct buzz position