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