Color, Identity, and Candomblé in Brazil

"Brazil is not just Pele, coffee, and Samba," said Joel Gondim as he began his presentation, "Color, Identity, and Candomblé in Brazil," in which he explored the African connection in Brazil, specifically Bahia where he lives, and the manifestations in food, music, and religion. "And the true wealth of Brazil," he continued, "comes from the fusion of the Africans, indigenous peoples, and the Portuguese."

It was this fusion, especially in the religious arena that led to the creation of syncretized religions such Candomblé and one of the more interesting aspects of Joel's lecture was his description of his preparation, the psychic cleansing by a babalorixá that he underwent before he came to America. He also explained the relationship between the orisha pantheon ( Shango, Olokun, Ifá, Yemoja, Osun, Obatala, Oshun, Ogun, Ochosi, Oko, Soponna, Oya and Esu|Legba), nature, and everyday life. In fact, today is Oxalá's day.

Axé

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For more photos of "Color, Identity, and Candomblé in Brazil" which is part of the Conference on African Spirituality in the Americas (February/March 2008), click here: Candomblé.

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Arts & Culture Americas Brazil Candomble Yoruba Ideas Spirituality