Candomblé Ketu
Encyclopedia
Candomblé Ketu' is the largest and most influential nation (sect
) of Candomblé
, a religion widely practiced in Brazil
. Its beliefs and rituals are similar to those of other Candomblé nations in general terms, but different in almost every detail.
Although related to the batuque cults that started in the late 16th century, Ketu developed mostly in the early 19th century, chiefly in the region of Bahia
, among slaves
belonging to the Yoruba
(Iorubá) ethnic group. Its origins are entwined with the religious and beneficent brotherhoods (irmandades) organized by the Roman Catholic Church
among ethnic Yoruba slaves, the Order of Our Lady of the Good Death
(Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte), for women, and the Order of Our Lord of the Martyrdom (Nosso Senhor dos Martírios), for men.
. Olorun
, also known as Eledumare, Olodumare, Eledaa and Olofin-Orun, is the supreme God, who created the deities or Orisha
s (also spelled Orisas or Orixás). The variety of orishas still venerated in Africa were reduced to about 16, of which around twelve are invoked in ceremonies:
Being the orixá of roads, Exú governs access to the realm of orixás, so the preparation of every Ketu ceremony begins with sacrifices to him, followed by sacrifices to the Orixás that are to be invoked.
In Africa, each Orisha
s was typically associated to a certain country or city: Sàngó
in Oyó
, Iemanjá in the region of Egbá
, Ewá in Egbado
, Ogun
in Ekiti and Ondô
, Oxum
in Ijexá and Ijebu
, Erinlé
in Ilobu
, Logunedê in Ilexá, Otin
in Inixá, Oxalá-Obatalá
in Ifé
, divided into Osàlúfon in Ifan
and Òságiyan in Ejigbô
. In Candomblé Ketu these local deities were combined into a single pantheon and can be worshipped at any temple throughout Brazil
.
used in Ketu rituals (Iorubá or Nagô) is derived from the Yoruba language
. The Ketu names of most cult-related concepts — ceremonial acts and objects, priestly ranks and ritual functions, ritual foods, etc. — are drawn from it.
Sect
A sect is a group with distinctive religious, political or philosophical beliefs. Although in past it was mostly used to refer to religious groups, it has since expanded and in modern culture can refer to any organization that breaks away from a larger one to follow a different set of rules and...
) of Candomblé
Candomblé
Candomblé is an African-originated or Afro-Brazilian religion, practised chiefly in Brazil by the "povo de santo" . It originated in the cities of Salvador, the capital of Bahia and Cachoeira, at the time one of the main commercial crossroads for the distribution of products and slave trade to...
, a religion widely practiced in Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
. Its beliefs and rituals are similar to those of other Candomblé nations in general terms, but different in almost every detail.
Although related to the batuque cults that started in the late 16th century, Ketu developed mostly in the early 19th century, chiefly in the region of Bahia
Bahia
Bahia is one of the 26 states of Brazil, and is located in the northeastern part of the country on the Atlantic coast. It is the fourth most populous Brazilian state after São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, and the fifth-largest in size...
, among slaves
Slavery
Slavery is a system under which people are treated as property to be bought and sold, and are forced to work. Slaves can be held against their will from the time of their capture, purchase or birth, and deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to work, or to demand compensation...
belonging to the Yoruba
Yoruba people
The Yoruba people are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. The majority of the Yoruba speak the Yoruba language...
(Iorubá) ethnic group. Its origins are entwined with the religious and beneficent brotherhoods (irmandades) organized by the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
among ethnic Yoruba slaves, the Order of Our Lady of the Good Death
Order of Our Lady of the Good Death
The Sisterhood of Our Lady of the Good Death is a small but renowned Afro-Catholic religious group in the state of Bahia, Brazil....
(Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte), for women, and the Order of Our Lord of the Martyrdom (Nosso Senhor dos Martírios), for men.
Deities
Ketu deities are basically those of Yoruba mythologyYoruba mythology
The Yorùbá religion comprises the original religious beliefs and practices of the Yoruba people. Its homeland is in Southwestern Nigeria and the adjoining parts of Benin and Togo, a region that has come to be known as Yorubaland...
. Olorun
Olorun
Olòrún is the Yorùbá name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions , Who is either the sole entity in monotheism, or a single entity in polytheism...
, also known as Eledumare, Olodumare, Eledaa and Olofin-Orun, is the supreme God, who created the deities or Orisha
Orisha
An Orisha is a spirit or deity that reflects one of the manifestations of Olodumare in the Yoruba spiritual or religious system....
s (also spelled Orisas or Orixás). The variety of orishas still venerated in Africa were reduced to about 16, of which around twelve are invoked in ceremonies:
- Ogum or OgunOgunOgun can refer to:*Ogoun , a divinity in Yoruba and Haitian mythology*Ogun River, a river in southwestern Nigeria*Ogun State, a state in southwestern Nigeria*Ogun Records, a record label...
, Orixá of iron, war, fire, and technology. - Oshosi, (also spelt, Ochosi, Ososi, Oxosi, Osawsi), Orixá of hunting and plenty.
- Logunedê, young Orixá of hunting, of rivers and fishermen.
- XangôShangoIn the Yorùbá religion, Sàngó is perhaps one of the most popular Orisha; also known as the god of fire, lightning and thunder...
, Orixá of fire and thunder, protector of judges. - Omulu or Obaluaiê, Orixá of health ("physician of the poor"), skin diseases and plagues.
- OxumaréOxumaréCandomblé is an Afro-American religion widely practised in Brazil. Òsùmàrè is the proper name of the rainbow-serpent of Candomblé mythology. The rainbow-serpent represents mobility and activity, and it controls the forces that direct movement. Osumare is the Lord of all elongated things. The...
, Orixá of rain and of the rainbow. - Ossaim, Orixá of herbal medicine.
- OyáOyaIn Yoruba mythology, Oya , is the Undergoddess of the Niger River. Oya has been syncretized in Santería with the Catholic images of the Virgin of Candelaria.-Aspects:...
or IansãIansanIansan is a spirit entity, or Orisha , of the Afro-Brazilian religious faith Candomblé. Iansan is the Orisha of the winds, hurricanes and tempests. She lives at the gate of the graveyard, and has dominion over the realm of the Dead...
, Orixá (feminine) of wind, storms, and lightning, and of the Niger RiverNiger RiverThe Niger River is the principal river of western Africa, extending about . Its drainage basin is in area. Its source is in the Guinea Highlands in southeastern Guinea...
. - Oxum, Orixá (feminine) of rivers, of gold, cowrie shell game, and love.
- Iemanjá, Orixá (feminine) of the seas, lakes, and fertility, mother of many Orixás.
- NanãNana BulukuNana Buluku is the Supreme Deity of the Fon from Dahomey.In Dahomey mythology, Nana Buluku is an androgynous deity creator of the Universe and all that exists in it...
, Orixá (feminine) of marshes and death, mother of Obaluaiê. - ObáOBAOba or OBA may refer to:* Oba , an African ruler or king* Oba , in Yoruba mythology* Oba, an island in the North Maluku province of Indonesia* Oba-Igbomina, a town in Nigeria...
, Orixá (feminine) of the Obá River, one of XangôShangoIn the Yorùbá religion, Sàngó is perhaps one of the most popular Orisha; also known as the god of fire, lightning and thunder...
's wives. - EwáEwaEwa can refer to:In geography:* Eastern Washington* 'Ewa Beach, Hawaii, unincorporated Census-designated place * Ewa Villages, Hawaii, an unincorporated community in the U.S...
, Orixá (feminine) of the Ewá River. - Oxalá, the most respected Orixá, father of most other Orixás.
- IbejiIbejiIbeji is a term in the Yoruba language meaning "twins."- Overview :The Yoruba are a major African ethnic group; in their culture twins are traditionally very important beings. In the Yoruba language "ibeji" literally means "twins". Carved wooden figures made to house the soul of a dead twin are...
, Orixá of twin children (ibi=born, eji=two) - Irocô, Orixá of the Sacred Tree. In Brazil, the sacred tree is a gameleira.
- EgungunEgungunEgungun is a part of the Yoruba pantheon of divinities. In the indeginous religious system of the West African tribe of that name, the spirit is of central importance...
, important ancestor cultuated after death in separate houses of the Orixás. - OrumiláOrunmilaIn the Yoruba religion, Orunmila is the Yoruba Grand Priest and custodian of Ifá. This source of knowledge is believed to have a keen understanding of the human form and of purity, praised as being often more effective than remedies; his followers and priests are known as Babalawo.- Mythical...
or IfáIfáIfá refers to the system of divination and the verses of the literary corpus known as the Odú Ifá. Yoruba religion identifies Orunmila as the Grand Priest; as that which revealed Oracle divinity to the world...
, Orixá of divination and destiny. - Exu, Orixá guardian of roads (particularly crossroads), temples, houses, cities and people.
Being the orixá of roads, Exú governs access to the realm of orixás, so the preparation of every Ketu ceremony begins with sacrifices to him, followed by sacrifices to the Orixás that are to be invoked.
In Africa, each Orisha
Orisha
An Orisha is a spirit or deity that reflects one of the manifestations of Olodumare in the Yoruba spiritual or religious system....
s was typically associated to a certain country or city: Sàngó
Shango
In the Yorùbá religion, Sàngó is perhaps one of the most popular Orisha; also known as the god of fire, lightning and thunder...
in Oyó
Oyo Empire
The Oyo Empire was a Yoruba empire of what is today southwestern Nigeria. The empire was established before the 14th century and grew to become one of the largest West African states encountered by European explorers. It rose to preeminence through its possession of a powerful cavalry and wealth...
, Iemanjá in the region of Egbá
Egba
The Egba are a clan of the Yoruba people who live in western Nigeria. Many Egba live in the city of Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State.- History :...
, Ewá in Egbado
Egbado
The Egbado, now Yewa, are a clan of the Yoruba people, and inhabit the eastern area of Ogun West Senatorial District, Ogun State, in south-west Nigeria, Africa. In 1995 they changed their name to the Yewa...
, Ogun
Ogun
Ogun can refer to:*Ogoun , a divinity in Yoruba and Haitian mythology*Ogun River, a river in southwestern Nigeria*Ogun State, a state in southwestern Nigeria*Ogun Records, a record label...
in Ekiti and Ondô
Ondo
Ondo is the name of:* Ondo , a style of Japanese folk music* Ondo, Hiroshima, a town in Japan* Ondo City in Nigeria* Ondo State in Nigeria* Ondo Phone in Europe...
, Oxum
Ossun
Ossun is a commune in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in south-western France.-References:*...
in Ijexá and Ijebu
Ijebu
Ijebu was a Yoruba kingdom in pre-colonial Nigeria. It formed around the fifteenth century. According to legend, its ruling dynasty was founded by Obanta of Ile-Ife...
, Erinlé
Erinle
Erinle, also known as Inle, is an Orisha in the Yoruba religion of West Africa. According to the patakis or stories of the faith of the Lukumi derivative of the religion, he is a hunter. As a spirit of abundance, he is believed to serve as both a healer and the patron of gay people. He is said to...
in Ilobu
Ilobu
Ilobu is a town and headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria.The population of Ilobu is 118089 according to the GeoNames geographical database. The nearest airport is Oshogbo airport-External links:*...
, Logunedê in Ilexá, Otin
Otin
Otin is a Central Asian term referring to a woman who serves as an Islamic teacher and leader in the local community. Their position has a high status, somewhat similar to a mullah's, and certain otines are officially recognized by their country's Muslim board. Otines would also serve as teachers...
in Inixá, Oxalá-Obatalá
Obatala
In the religion of the Yoruba people, Obàtálá is the creator of human bodies, which were supposedly brought to life by Olorun's breath.Obàtálá is also the owner of all ori or heads. Any orisha may lay claim to an individual, but until that individual is initiated into the priesthood of that orisha,...
in Ifé
Ife
Ife is an ancient Yoruba city in south-western Nigeria. Evidence of inhabitation at the site has been discovered to date back to roughly 560 BC...
, divided into Osàlúfon in Ifan
Ifan
Ifan is Welsh for John, and may refer to:People:*Ifan ab Owen Edwards , a Welsh academic, writer and film-maker*Ifan ap Robert, the Head of the House of Aberffraw following the death of his father...
and Òságiyan in Ejigbô
Ejigbo
Ejigbo is a prominent town in Yoruba Land and the headquarters of Ejigbo Local Government Area, one of the oldest local government area of Osun State in Nigeria. Ejigbo is strategically placed in the middle position of 35 km to the North-East of Iwo, 30 km from Ogbomoso in the North and...
. In Candomblé Ketu these local deities were combined into a single pantheon and can be worshipped at any temple throughout Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
.
Ritual language
The sacred languageSacred language
A sacred language, "holy language" , or liturgical language, is a language that is cultivated for religious reasons by people who speak another language in their daily life.-Concept:...
used in Ketu rituals (Iorubá or Nagô) is derived from the Yoruba language
Yoruba language
Yorùbá is a Niger–Congo language spoken in West Africa by approximately 20 million speakers. The native tongue of the Yoruba people, it is spoken, among other languages, in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo and in communities in other parts of Africa, Europe and the Americas...
. The Ketu names of most cult-related concepts — ceremonial acts and objects, priestly ranks and ritual functions, ritual foods, etc. — are drawn from it.
External links
- Candomblé Ketu
- Ilê Opó Afonjá, a major Ketu house in Salvador
- Ama, A Story of the Atlantic Slave Trade