Candomble

Picture taken by Carf. September 27,2005.
“The Candomble is the religion that provides the spiritual foundation and super structure of Bahian life” -Sheila S. Walker

Background Information
The New World and the Old World contributed to cultures that began to establish in various parts of America. In Brazil, derived religions from Africa started to take place and influence the Brazilian culture. Africans were brought to the New World due to the labor shortage that diseases were causing. Many indigenous people began to die because of the lack of biological immunities. Therefore, the slave trade of Africans to the Americas began since Africans adapted to any type of environmental changes and had better biological immunities. Throughout the time African slaves rapidly replace the indigenous people, their labor demonstrated that they were efficient and caused the increase of captives to Brazil.
According to Fryer, from about 1530 Brazil was colonized. Many changes occurred after Africans were transported to Brazil, many began to die because they did not have health care treatment and were overworked. However, as the population was declining in Brazil more African captives were brought. Consequently, Brazil’s population increased dramatically, “By 1849 there were more than 78,000 slaves… out of a total population of 206,000, and 60% of them were of African birth; this was the largest urban slave population in America” (Fryer 6). Because of the massive African population in Brazil, the emergence of a new culture in music and religion began.
On the other hand, African captives began to make a change regarding the way they were treated by Europeans. Slave rebellions arouse in order to show resistance against the way they were being oppressed by Europeans. The slaves that began the revolts were called Quilombos. According to Voeks, the famous uprising was in 1935 in Salvador. Although, slavery was abolished in 1888, Europeans felt that they still had that superiority and thus it caused the uprising of African captives.

Origins of Candomble
After, the revolts religions began to erupt. The Yoruba religion influenced the formation of the Candomble religion. Yoruba slaves and freedman introduced the Candomble religion. The Candomble religion was form with a set of believes, cosmology, and practices. Cosmology is a spiritual universe circumscribed by the Orixas (Voeks 52). Yoruba introduced different religions and was the dominant out of all the religion. As described by Voeks, “the Yoruba a rich and complex cosmology, a rigidly defined social structure” (Sacred Leaves of Candomble 51).
Yoruba was the central focus of many religions in the Bahia. Yoruba had a major influence within ethnic and cultural messages that obtained the Yoruba culture (Voeks 53). Candomble is form by different cultural fundamentals but comes from the same religion.

Orixas
The Orixas are a cultural element from the Candomble religion. The Candomble is form by various Orixas. Orixas are gods that are connected with different realms of nature such as water, air, earth, and forest. According to Voeks, Orixas are complemented with certain features such as taboos, offerings, sacred foods, preferred time of worships, icons, and geographical locations (Sacred Leaves of Candomble 57). Each of these Orixas has an accoutrement that can be identify. The Orixas have certain metals and colors that define their identity. Most importantly each Orixa has a discursive practice. Thus, every Orixa have a significance that lies behind their costumes, body movements, gestures, and rhythms. Most importantly they embody the strength and foresight of their adherents (Voeks 56). The most prominent Orixas:

1. Exu
2. Ogum
3. Oxossi
4. Omolu
5. Ossain
6. Oxum
7. Logum Ede
8. Oxumare
9. Lemanja
10. Xango
11. Lansa
12. Nana
13. Obatala

In addition, every Orixa have a characteristic that convey a symbol, which is demonstrated by both the body movements while performing and the accoutrement. The African deities also called as Orixas are identified with more than one Catholic saint.

Music
Music is an essential characteristic of Candomble. The music engages the performer and the audience into the symbolic dances of Candomble. According to Miller Chernoff, “a dancer converses with the music... a dancer and an orchestra cut across each other’s movements, as if the dancer is a apart of the ensemble” (Rhythms of Resistance qtd 20). Candomble is a religion that influenced the lives of those captive slaves and to Afro- Brazilians.
As Fryer puts it, “Originally this was a music of resistance, whose primary function in the teeth of persecution was to keep Africa and African deities alive in the minds and hearts of captive Africans” (Rhymes of Resistance 9). As mentioned music plays an important role in the Candomble ceremonies. However, the use of instruments is what makes the performance outstanding and putts across the meaning of each Orixa. For instance, some instruments such as the three conical drums (rum, hum, rumpi) also known as abatiques, come from West Africa in which it provides a single repeatedly steady rhythm (Fryer 19). Also two other instruments that are derived from Yoruba are essential to the music of Candomble. The first one is called agogo and the other is ga both are drums. Both instruments set the rhythm at the beginning of the song.

In addition, Candomble had a tremendous influence in Brazil and it still does. Candomble is a form of tradition and was a religion to Afro- Brazilian populations and African captives that once were slaved by Europeans. Therefore, the significance of each Orixa will be discussed.

Work Cited Fryer, Robert. Rhythms of Resistance; African Musical Heritage in Brazil. Wesleyan University Press, 2002. Voeks, Robert A. Sacred Leaves of Brazilian Candomble. Geographical Review. America Geographical Society. Vol. 80, No. 2 pp. 118-131.

Picture taken by Carf. September 27, 2008.

Monica Mendez

Orixas

Yvon Guzman Rangel 

Yemanja

Orisha also known as Orixa or Orisa reflects a type of manifistation Olodumare (God) in the Yoruba spiritual or religious system. They are a type of sprit also known as a deity. This type of Afro-Brazilian religion has found itself around the world, but is now mainly practiced in parts of Brazil. The religion manifistation itself is a complex type of religion including rituals such as dances, costumes, colors, symbols,movement and stories. According to this type of religion all humans are linked to their own type of Orisha from the day of his birth. They are spiritual beings not able to coexist in man inhibited land. The appearance of the Orisha is determined by placing a human at their disposal, dressed up in costumes and ornaments. The Orsihas are then summoned upon by percussion music, dance and song. For each deity to be summoned they are given its own music, its own rhythm, and special dancing steps.

The Orisha faith believes in a Supreme Being, named Olodumare. Adherents of the religon follow several manifastions of Olodumare in the form of several type of Orishas. The religion is expressed in means of dancing and movements all practiced by the people. It can be compared to religions such as Catholism, were instead of dancing as a way of communicating with the religion, people eithter sing or eat things that represent their creator or god.

For people that practice this religion a certain dance is issued. The way the dance and moves are performed all rely on a certain type of Orisha. One of the Orishas that are important to this people is the Orisha named Yemanjá. As many people would state she is the goddess of female fertility. She is the ocean, the essence of motherhood. Her large, amplified breasts are a sign of her fertility also along with her beauty. She protects the heads of newborns to ensure they are safe when given life to this new world. People worshop this deity because of the good luck she can bring to fertile women. It is thought that she ensures the safety of a mother and her unborn child for those 9 months. If gifts are offered to the deity they usually include flowers and objects that a typical female posseses such as, perfume, jewelry, combs, lipsticks, mirrors etc. This gifts are usually then gathered in a bastket and taken out by local fisherman and set out at sea were she resides. She is often displayed as a mermaid, which is the reason behind why people take their gifts and offerings out to the sea. Story on her origins are not exact, but it is said she was married to Agayu and had one son, Orungan, and fifteen Orishas came forth from her. They include Ogun, Olokun, Shopona and Shango. Other stories would say that Yemanja was always there in the beginning and all life came from her, including all of the orishas.

The type of movements that are created with this dance arent complex as others. But they do require a body that can move freely at any direction. Movements made in rituals or dances which represent the deity Yemanja include movement of the handds and arms that mimic the way water moves throughout the ocean. Like the water in the ocean, the hands move freely swinging left to right in a wavy motion as the body moves around freely.

The costume of this type of deity can include a mermaid type dress. It is colored in blue to represent the color of the ocean. Silverware is melted and carved into things such as a crown for the person dancing. Ornaments are also made with shapes and patterning similar to those of a fish. The person that is dancing usually will wear them throught the ritual to captivated the deity as much as they can.

Music that is played at rituals is unique. Different types of instruments are used in order to make the music come to life. For the more bigger and important ceremonies of the Orisha, an ensemble of a three double-headed bata drums are used and commonly folowed by an achere, which is a small gourd rattle. According to the people the Bata drums are an important part of the ritual and particulary please the Orishas. In less rigorous rituals other fine instruments can be used such as shekeres, which are large gourd rattles that are strung with beads, also followed by conga drums and a guataca. The Orisha music is also

accompanied by singing asking of the deity to descend to their devoters or followers. It is belived that when they perform in secular contexts, they help audiences gain a new perspective on a religion that is often misunderstood.

Yemanja represents motherhood and the essence of fertility. Therefore different types of rituals can be used to summon her spirit. All these instruments and rituals and costumes all come into one when the ritual is being presented. Each part has a specific and important role is satisfying the diety and allowing it to venture upon the people that follow the religion. They all have a purpose and connection to one another. For example the costume and its ornaments combined as one represent the diety itself. The music, instruments and singing are a way of reaching the diety and allowing it to venture around the people.

David Vargas

Works Cited

1."Yemanja" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yemanj%C3%A1. 25 March 2009

2."Tanzbrasil" http://www.tanzbrasil.de/eng/orixas.html.

3."HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN FLORIDA" http://www.historical-museum.org/exhibits/carib/carib.htm

Xango

Xango

Xango is one of the most popular Orisha in the candomble religion in Brazil. He is a Candomble divinity. In other parts of the world, Xango can be spelled in many ways. Xango is also known as Sango. Shango, or Chango. He is the God of thunder and lightning. Xango is the fourth king of the Yoruban kingdom and represents the Oyo people of West Africa. He controlled the powers of lighting an thunder. He died by suicide by hanging himself and entered the Yoruba pantheon. He is still celebrated in Nigeria and Brazil. Xango is known for justice, power, violent temper, magic, music and dance. He is a protector. He carries a double-headed axe, which represents swift and balanced justice. He owns Bata, the three double-headed drums. Xango makes all things double and is associated with the ram, a holy animal. His colors are red and white and his number is 6. His metals are stone and silver. Xango was a king who brought upon prosperity to his kingdom. Xango chooses his followers by pointing lightning at them. Followers who worship Xango have a sense of power and self-control. Xango originated in Africa in what now is now Nigeria. The orisha was brought over to Brazilian countries within slavery. The Xango traditions and ceremonies survived the passage and reestablished in the western part of the world. Now it is popularly known in countries such as, Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Xango is one the most important orishas because he represents justice, by punishment. The axe is his weapon and represents his powers. Xango was feared for his ability to breathe fire from his mouth. Xango wears colorful clothes. His costume is white an red, and he wears a red skirt. Xango is an important orisha, that along with his mythological background and power, it is worshiped and celebrated in the countries it spread to.

History

Xango’s history has many stories. One of the stories tells about Xango’s parents. He is the son of Anganju and Obatala. Obatala is the king of the white cloth. He meets Anganju when he was traveling and had to cross a river. Aganju was the ferryman and god of fire. He refused Obatala passage. Obatala left and came back as a beautiful woman. Obatala went back to the river and exchanged his/her body for passage from Aganju. Xango was the result of this encounter.

Xango has many stories. Another story talks about him and his three wives. His three wives are Oshun, Oba, and Oya. Oba was his first wife, Oshun his second, and Oya his third. Xango’s three wives lived surrounding him. He lived, ate , and slept with all, every time he visited them. His favorite wife is Oshun the river goddess, because of her cooking. Oba is another river goddess. She becomes jealous of Oshun and Xango‘s relationship. Oba asks Oshun what she does in order to have Xango happy with her. Oshun did not like Oba because her children would inherit Xango’s kingdom; since she is Xango’s first wife. Oshun decides to tricks Oba and tells her that she needs to cut off a piece of ear and serve it to Xango when he eats. This will cause Xango to desire Oba’s food and bring him happiness with her. Oba does as she is told, but instead of cutting off a piece of her ear, she cuts her entire ear and serves it to Xango for dinner. Oba believes that by serving Xango her entire ear, he will forget about Oshun. As Xango eats dinner, he comes upon the ear and believes that Oba is poisoning him. He forces her to run away and she falls to earth and turns into a river. Due to this, now Oba is worshiped as the patron of matrimony. Oya is Xango‘s third wife; she stole Xango’s magic.

Xango has many mythological stories that originate from Africa. They all were transported to countries in South America and the Caribbean during slavery. Today, Xango is still worshiped by Yorubians. Yoruba is the most populous tribe in Africa, located primarily in Nigeria.

Xango Dance

Xango features rhythms of Santeria dancers who spin with bowls with flames and eat fire. Xango dancers wave their axe, holding it firmly with their hands. The axe is very important to the Xango ritual, because it is what represents Xango. Xango dance comes from west African ancestors and gods. The dances use a lot of drum beats and atabaques. Xango also dances around as if riding a horse. The dances are performed as rituals, were animals are sacrificed.

Xango Music and Instruments

Xango is a mixture of African Rhythms and Caribbean sounds. The music uses a lot of drum beats and clapping. The main language Xango music is sang in is Portuguese, including a lot of musical instruments. Some instruments used for Xango music are:

Ÿ Chere or Chechere: This denotes several types of mental shaker. The one Querino illustrates, used in Xango ceremonies, is a copper vessel containing pebbles.

Ÿ Adja: Small metal bell used in candomble and Xango ceremonies.

Ÿ Batas: Small wooden drums of Yoruba origin, used in Xango ceremonies.

Ÿ Ubata: No description known. May be alternative name for bata drum used in some Recife Xango ceremonies.

Cynthia Lopez

Works Cited

1. Eliade, Mircea( Editor in chief). The Encyclopedia of Religion. Vol. 3. Macmillan Publishing Company, New York, 1987.

2. http://www.geocities.com/beargomke/Xango.html

3. http://www.amazingpsychicreading.com/shango1.html

4. http://www.nickbuxton.info/photos/brazil/photo037.html

Iemanja

Brazil’s unique scenery and natural environment only complements its rich religious background in the Yoruba and Candomble religion. It is one of the few cultures that have maintained its roots and its tradition from its original native land, Africa. This African musical heritage can be seen in days of celebration when Orixa’s are summoned. One of the main Orixas that is celebrated is that of Iemanja, the goddess of the sea. This deity is the mother is thought to protect and care for all living creature. Here we will further explain the Iemanja’s character and role in the Candomble religion

Yoruba

The Yoruba religion originated from Nigeria, Africa, but during the slave trade this religion morphed into Candomble. One of the reasons why this religion was not eradicated even though many pursed it was the fact that Candomble synchronized Catholic Saints to Orixas (Fryer 14). Since all slaves came from distinct region of Africa the community was divided not only by language but also by customs and traditions (Fryer 42). In order to unify the slave community the Candomble religion was used as a common ground on which all African could stand on. This transition was easy because Candomble used similar “language, pantheon, liturgy, musical instruments and musical styles (Fryer 14).” The exact traslation of Condomble is “house of black customs (Fryer 42).” Meaning that it served as a refuge from the hardship of slave life. This mystifing religion is still practice through out Brazil and continues to merge many people .

Candomble

The Orixas's of Candomble usually represent symbols such as “colors, songs, anecdotes, objects, animals, plants, and atmospheric phenomena (Fryer 14).” Not only do they have their own symbol but they also have their specific accoutrements and rhythms. The one instrument that all Orixa uses in their dances are the drums; they set a steady beat while allowing the dance to have its unique tempo by using traditional instruments. Some of the traditional instruments can be seen below. To summon any Orixa the ritual must be performed with drum. As stated before drums are the main instruments that are used in both Candomble and Yoruba religion (Fryer 18). Once the Orixa has been summoned it will salute the drum master and proceeds to carry out the ritual. The most influential Orixa of Brazil is that of Iemanja. Because Africans where not allowed to worship her in Latin America she was associated with the Catholic Saint “Our Lady of Conception or Our Lady of the Navigators (Fryer 18).” Iemanja is usually seen holding a brass fan while her costume consists of various white and blue hues. These agglomerations of symbols emphasize the role of Iemanja as a protective mother with in the Candomble religion.

 

Number	Name of Instrument	Description and Function
1.	Adjà	Small metal bell used in Xango Ceremonies
2.	Ilu	Large wooden drum of the three Atabàque drums,”1.1 to 1.4 meters high pronounced rum (Fryer 18)”, used in most Candomble ceremonies.
3.	Agògò	Clapperless double bell, stuck with metal stick. Used in Candomble ceremonies “sets the fundamental pulse at eh start of each song (Fryer 19).”
4.	Baquetas	Drumsticks
5.	Atabàque	Stick beaten drum comes in various sizes. Used in Candomble, often made from “barrel staves (Fryer 18)
6.	Chocalho	Various types of shaker
7.	Rumpi	Medium-sized drum of the Atabàque drums, made out of goatskin  (Fryer 18)
8.	Lè	Smallest drum of the Atabàque drums, made out of goat skin  (Fryer 18)

(Fryer 162)

Iemanja Movements and Image

Every Orixa had their own movement according to their element or their natural space. Iemanja is the goddess of the sea. She is usually dressed in blue, as a way of representing the water while white is the foam that is produced when the waves crash against the rocks. All of Iemanja’s movements are affiliated with the sea thus most of the basic movements follow a fluid water like rhythm. In order to properly portray Iemanja one must claps both hands as if drinking water. The main dance is done this way. Another way that Iemanja depicts the sea is by using her skirt to imitate the movement of crushing waves. One aspect of her footwork is associated with a mermaid therefore one of her movements encompasses the bending of the knees.

All images of Iemanja are presented with a central theme: the ocean. As described before she is the deity of the sea therefore most of her images are seen at sea. The body of Iemanja can be presented in two ways: a human form or a mermaid. The background consists of animals such as dolphins, fishes or any ocean life. There are three other forms of Iemanja while all of them have the same basic element, water, they do differ in meaning and in water context. Take for example Iemanja Nana Borucum this Orixa is the embodiment between earth and water. Iemanja Bomi is often represented as a young woman with wisdom. While on the other hand Iemanja Boci is the sea that touches the shores she is often associated with motherly love (Jlè Axè Bomi: Cabana de Pae Oxossi).

http://www.geocities.com/ileaxebomi/Iemanya.html

Location of her Procession

Rio of Janeiro is one of the smallest estates in the Brazil. Yet its size may be small but Rio de Janeiro is has the biggest city of Brazil. It borders Sao Paulo and Espirito Santo making Rio de Janeiro rich in culture and tradition. Since Iemanja is the deity of the sea many people will gather on the shores of Rio de Janeiro. This is the main area where the processions are done.  As offering they will throw flowers, perfume and jewelry into the bay. Many of her followers will toss these items into the sea in hope of it being exchange for a wish. If the item returns to the shore the wish will not be granted. That is why many hire boats so the items are thrown far away from the shoreline. Those who cannot afford boats they will make hand made boats and launch them from the shore. Others on the beach will make sculptures of Iemanja or dig hole in which they place candles. The offerings are left at local community center where boat will gather them and take them to sea. At four in the morning boats will usually drive about 6 miles into sea and deposit the offering. Mean while those on shore will enjoy the celebration and wait the New Year morning.  This is one of the reasons why Iemanja is the most celebrated deity because it signifies the beginning of a new year.

Music in honor of lemanja

http://www.bahia-online.net/festas.htm

 

Works Cited

Fryer, Peter. Rhythms of Resistance: African Musical Heritage in Brazil. London: University Press of New England Hanover, 2000.

Jlè Axè Bomi: Cabana de Pae Oxossi. Jlè Axè Bomi: Cabana de Pae Oxossi; IEMANJA Ile Axe Bomi's Orixa. 7 May 2009.

Iemanja Song 

Logum Ede

Axel Santana

Anna B. Scott

Brazilian Dance

May 7, 2009

A Tale of Orixas: Logum Ede

1^st Things 1^st- Candomble

-According to Professor Anna B. Scott, the definition of Candomble is- “a holistic system, it is comprised of culinary arts, apothecary, the art of placement, healing with colors, visual arts, music, poetry, oral literature and dance.” In the traditional Brazilian religion known as Candomble, there are many rituals performed. Within each ritual, there are various elements that form the basis of the music that is played, the food that is eaten, the materials used, and the movements that are made. This religion had its roots in the African-influenced city of Salvador which is the capital of the region of Brazil known as Bahia..
View Larger Map Although this religion is practiced chiefly in Brazil, it is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. “The rituals involve the possession of participants by Orishas, animal sacrifices, healing, dancing and drumming” (tudobeleza). The name Candomble means “dance in honor of the gods” and music and dance are very important factors in the tradition (BBC). In its early days, Candomble was practiced secretly since the Catholics wanted to keep the enslaved Africans under their control. Practitioners would conceal their deities under corresponding Catholic saints (BBC). There are a number of deities that make up the polytheistic religion of Candomble, and they are known as Orixas, and this blog, we will be discussing one Orixa in particular- Logum Ede- the various elements that go into his/her rituals, and dance.

Orixas

-Are the gods of this religion and are characterized by particular symbols: colors, songs, anecdotes, objects, animals, plants and atmospheric phenomena (Fryer- Rhythms of Resistance). From birth, everyone has their own Orixa dedicated to protect them- which would be equivalent to a Catholic person praying to a specific saint. There are over a dozen different Orixas, each with a varying purpose than the next. Some examples are Oxossi, who is represented by a bow and arrow, and whose color is green; Ogum, who carries a machete, and whose color is red or green; and Xango, who has two axes, and whose color is red or white. Some other Orixas include Exu, Ogum, Omolu, Ossain, Oxumare, Iemanja, Iansa, Nana, Obatala, and Logum Ede. In this blog, we will find out just a little bit more information on this Logum Ede character to see just what he or she is all about…

Logum Ede: Background Check

Born to Oxossi Matalambo and Oxum. Oxossi embodies mental wizardry especially in debates, verbal agreements, and negotiations. He is represented by a bow and arrow, while iron is his metal, and bushes are his natural element with green as his color. Oxum is known as the patron of artists and all things beautiful as she protects pregnant women and their fetuses. She is represented by the mirror and brass, while her color is yellow, and her element is the river (choreostories). Living up to her name as the “desirable diva,” Oxum was able to seduce Oxossi, and that was how Logum Ede was conceived. There was some controversy as to how he came to be, since Oxossi denied paternity for the longest time. During conception, another Orixa, Nana- who relieves the suffering of anguished mothers- was present. After all this, they managed to raise a child who knew the secrets of the medicinal herbs, had the bless of cure and the knowledge of the preparations of the portions.

Logum Ede: Orixa in the Flesh

Obviously, in the footsteps of his father, Logum Ede boasts his agile abilities with his weapon the bow and arrow (though the hand gesture for his is formed with the reciprocal to that of his father’s). Known for being the Orixa of double personality, Logum’s social role is the Hermaphroditic hunter. Also known as the mermaid warrior, his metals are brass and iron (a combination of his mothers’ and his fathers’). Waterfall in the mountains is his element, and his color is green, naturally. Logum is acknowledged for being able to traverse and thrive in impossible terrain (choreostories). He is god of everything that ails humans, as much as plants, fish, and other animals, and embodies the beauty of masculinity (http://www.umbandanossa.hpg.ig.com.br/logun.htm). His fruit is the banana prata, and the cacau e obi. His flower is the rose and his food is axoxo e omolokum. Logum is known for protecting fishermen, spreading overall wealth, especially to those who do not have any.

Children of Logum Ede:

People born under him are known to be very charming and charismatic, and therefore have many friends as well as admirers. They tend to have tremendous passion for people who suffer and do all they can to assist them. Despite these attributes, they are irritated quite easily, and lose their temper frequently. Most are perfectionists and must have their own way, and do not admit their faults. Many times, they will act on impulse, taking advantage of everything that life has to offer. Children of Logum Ede are curious experts, and are fully interested in taking on new experiences. Just like their Orixa, these individuals can adapt to any environment or situation.

Wrapping It Up

Now that we have learned a bit about this interesting Logum Ede character, let us watch a video on some of themes that were brought up. As we watch, try listening to the lyrics, and see if you can recognize any of the words that are sung throughout the song. Logum Ede is one of the most unique Orixas, because of his complex childhood, as well as his versatility when it comes to gender. Despite his obvious similarities to his father, Oxossi, and his close upbringings to his mother, Logum Ede was a whole new character in his own. He is the patron of fishermen, and waterfalls in the mountains, and his close relationship to water, symbolizes the power of peace and harmony.

Works Cited

"Myth of Logum Ede Birth." Babalorixa's Words. 6 May 2009 .

"Religion and Ethics- Candomble." BBC.com 2 Feb. 2007. BBC. 6 May 2009 .

Tudobeleza. "Candomble: Afro-Brazilian Religion." Weblog post. Word Press. 6 May 2009 .

Verger, Pierre. "Logun Ede." Lendas. 6 May 2009 .

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