This walking staff symbolizes the support provided by Osain.  By using it you are symbolically protected from falling. Osain is generally known as the forest dwelling master of leaves and medicine and is said to live in a lidded gourd and may be represented by a magically charged doll or carved figure with one eye, one arm, and one leg. Interestingly enough, Osain is also represented by the colors of all the orichas. In the walking staff each band of color represents another oricha, or god in the Santería/Ocha religion, affiliated with Osain.  For example, the red-and-black band represents the messenger god Elegguá, the blue represents Yemayá, and the white band represents the lord of purity and wisdom, Obatalá.