What is Candomblé?

In Candomblé, the cult of deities of African origin, called Orixás, is practised. Although it originated in Bahia in the 19th century, Candomblé developed from the religious traditions of the African Yoruba, Jeje and Bantu peoples. These traditions were brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans from West African countries such as Nigeria, Benin and Togo, as well as from southern Africa. Today, Candomblé has around 3 million followers worldwide, including throughout America and Europe, with the largest proportion still living in Brazil. The rituals, during which the priests and followers interact with the forces of nature and the ancestors, take place in houses called terreiros or ilês. In this lecture, Patricia Pinheiro Crisótomo, herself a Candomblé priestess, provides insights into the ritual practice and introduces three of the most important Orixás, which can also be seen in the exhibition in the form of sculptures and insignia.