In the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomble, there exist many different Orixas, or deities. Each Orixa is responsible for a natural occurrence or phenomenon that may not have been explained in any other way. The way the Orixas demonstrate themselves is through a series of ritualistic dance moves and rhythms accompanied by their respective music and symbols. During one of these ritual, a group gathers to honor Obatala in someone's home. The group of people give him his offerings and perform Obatala's dance. The deity then "possesses" a worshiper and though him or her, the Orixa manifests its characteristics. Each Orixa has his or her own characteristics that make them unique. Those that practice Candomble consider the Orixa named Obatala the king of kings. Although there really does not exist a main Orixa, he is center to the creation story that supports the idea of how we all got here.
Obatala: "King of the White Cloth"
Obatala’s crucial role as the “king of the white cloth” is to create the bodies of those to be born. What makes him truly special, however, is the tale that explains why people with deformities should not be made fun of. Legend says that Obatala was in charge of creating mankind under the watchful eye of the Orixa, Olofi. Obatala was very fond of drinking palm wine while on the job and it kept him form creating perfect people. While under the influence of the wine, Obatala created humans with deformities. Olofi prohibited Obatala from drinking while performing his tasks, but from then on, those that were born with deformities (not surprisingly, this included albinos) were said to be Obatala’s children and for that reason, could not be made fun of. Although Obatala is credited for making all of mankind, those born with defects are specifically referred to as Obatala's children. This story is one of many that feature an Orixa and explain a natural occurrence.
Obatala, like all the Orixas, has his own individual dance movement and features qualities that are distinctive of him. His dance looks like an elderly man’s gait; hunched and slow. The dancer bounces on his or her knees and shuffles around the room. The accompanying drumbeat is steady like rainfall and the instruments usually played for Obatala are bells and voices. The voice and the body in Candomble music are key instruments. This concept of bodily instruments is unique to Candomble. Obatala is the oldest of the Orixas and because of this, his manifestation is that of an old man. The white cloths he flings in his hands represent his spiritual purity and light. It is said that he throws his white cloth over his children to keep evil from touching them. In addition, Obatala's elements further add to his personality as the white god.
Danza de los orisha -OBATALA
Uploaded by mase_lobe
Obatala's elements include the mountains, clouds and palm trees. Each Orixa is designated a specific symbolic element, metal, color and accoutrement. Since Obatala is the white Orixa, it is only natural that he be the god of the clouds. His love for palm wine gives him ownership of the palm trees and the mountains are as old as Obatala himself. Aside from their physical assigned objects, the Orixas are also given social roles. Obatala's role is a bit ironic, considering his drunken behavior.
Obatala's social role makes him responsible for peace and sober decision making--an interesting role for the Orixa responsible for defected babies. He is also responsible for answering the questions of the people through divination. Obatala is the elder Orixa; he is full of wisdom and knowledge. He is the creator of mankind and is thought of as the grandfather figure in the Orixa world. In addition to the white cloths, Obatala also carries with him his Ifa staff. It serves as a reminder of Brazilian people's African roots. Obatala's color, silver, is also fitting of his persona and mannerisms.
Followers of Candomble celebrate Obatala's doings during the Festa do Bonfim every January in Bahia. There, the citizens of Bahia gather to pay homage to their patron saints. Although the Festa do Bonfim is a predominantly Catholic event, it is syncretized with the practices of the African-rooted Candomble. Obatala is specifically honored at night with flowers and the other white offerings aforementioned. The celebration is an 8-kilometer long procession that begins at the Church of Conceicao da Praia and ends at the Colina Sagrada, or sacred hill.
The faithful of Bahia in their tradtional white garb at the Festa do Bonfim.
Obatala's function as the king of kings makes him vital to the practice of Candomble in Brazil. He garners much respect from his followers due to his age and his responsibility of creating mankind. Like all the Orixas of Candomble, Obatala serves his purpose to the people and his believers reciprocate by giving him offerings and praise.
The religion of Candomble is truly unique in the New World. It's African roots are very visible and the syncretization it holds with the Roman Catholic Church shows the amount of perseverance form the part of the faithful of Bahia. No doubt Obatala will continue making his children to keep this culture alive.
Works Cited
"Dailymotion - Danza de los orisha -OBATALA - a Blog video." Dailymotion - Online Videos, Music, and Movies. Watch a Video Today! 07 May 2009
Obatala- KING OF KINGS. 5 May 2009
OBATALA- KING OF KINGS. 5 May 2009
Scott, Anna B. Choreostories. Ms. UC Riverside.
"Student Travel Information & Discounts - Events: Festa do Bonfim (Salvador, Brazil)." Student Travel Information & Discounts - ISIC International Student Identity Card: Welcome. 07 May 2009
Melissa Rivera
Whoooo. That opening paragraph is a bit of a jumble, no? it ix not clear where you plan to go with your paper. The tenses are also slightly askew.
ReplyDeleteOverall, this is a good piece of work, but, you have mixed and matched quite a bit from one tradition to the next. Yes, they are essentially the same Obatalá, however, they are not at all the same. Kinda confusing. But be aware that certain stories are not told in certain geopolotical spaces, so that an Orixá may end up meaning something rather different in one place to the next, even though they could have the same colors, foods, and accoutrements; the local community ends up "deploying" the orixá in a way specific to that community and not necessarily in accordance with a general, global understanding, even if they can articulate it. Along those lines, it is not that Obatala is a drunkard, it is that he had never before had palm wine when he was first sent on his task to make humans. The Tree of Life, the palm tree (the one that makes those beautiful golden "balls" not quite a date, not quite a coconut) dropped its fruit here in Aiye, not in Orun, where he lived. His encounter with the fermenting fruit made it such that all "children" of Obatala must NEVER drink, because it clouds one's judgment, equilibrium and perception! Some of your references steered you astray. In general, Angel Fire websites are old "fansites" and likely full or errors of facts. Try to avoid them. And finally, I am Dr. A.B. Scott, but in the citation, you only needed my name and the year of the unpublished chapter, 2005. it is unclear which style sheet you are using. Make sure you check with furture professors about the stye: APA, MLA, Chicago, or Haravard.
midterm: √