The orisha Elegua (aka Legba, Exu or Eshu) is a West African deity whose powers have been brought overseas to the Caribbean by way of the slave trade. Elegua is the patron deity of thresholds, transitions, beginnings and crossroads.

This orisha opens the way and influences one's direction and must be consulted to begin a rite dedicated to another orisha. The belief in orishas has migrated and is now found throughout the African Diaspora.