#Congo Basin

[belovedbluv]

The Congo Basin is in located in what is known as Central Africa, in the region west equatorial Africa. Before colonialization and still till this day scarification was practiced. The Congo holds some of the worlds most complex scarification methods and designs. The Body modification process is usually just talked of as a way to show ones beauty and to eroticize. However it also had to with ones place in society, it dealt with memory. It showed social process how people navigation through their community, their affliction. The marks indicated social rank , social status, or martial status. Marks showed if a person with a womb have given child birth. The marks could also be an indicator of a membership in a male or female secret initiatory society. If a person refused to participate in this process of marking, their life would face difficulties and it would be hard for them to participate in social life.

Source for text : The Etribal

1 - Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE.

2 - Lega woman with facial scarification and elaborate hairstyle, Kabila village, Congo (Democratic Republic), by Eliot Elisofon August 18, 1959 to December 20, 1959.

3 - Old mask - Metal, Wood - Ngbandi, Ngbaka - Democratic Republic of Congo Early / Mid 20th Century

4 - Man of M’Bouaka in Province de l'Equateur. Parmi les M'Bouaka by Casimir Zagourski 1924-1941.

5 - Democratic Republic of the Congo; Luba artist, Attributed to the workshop of the Master of Mulongo, Headrest, Mid-late 19th century. Shot by Franko Khoury.

6 - Illustration of a Baluba negroes from Abiangi

7 - Luba figurine 1909; 1909.29.1

8 - Tabwa artist, Democratic Republic of the Congo, scarification. Photo court. Photographer unknown.

9 - Ubangi region, Congo, Ngbaka. Mask, 19th century. Wood,

10 - Belgian Congo man, 1900-1915. Photographer unknown

[t0rschlusspan1k]

29.12.2023 | Petitions for the environment and climate change.

Please read, share wherever you can, talk about them and if you can afford it, please, please, please donate - consider taking up a collection among your friends.

Actions.eko.com: Nestlé and P&G: Stop setting Indonesia’s rainforests on fire

Indonesia’s forests are burning – a thick toxic haze suffocates half of the country, keeping children out of school and forcing people and animals to relocate. But it didn’t happen by accident and we know who the arsonists are. Together, we will hold them accountable. Nestlé and Procter & Gamble are doing business with rogue palm oil and paper producers who recklessly burn precious rainforests to the ground to expand their monocultures, steal Indigenous lands, and drive orangutans, rhinos, and elephants closer to the brink of extinction. (keep reading)

Rainforest Action Network - RAN: This one is for donating, they need 100,00$ by December 31!

We urgently need your help to fight for the world's last rainforests in 2024 by making any size donation today. Those who believe they can change the world are the ones that do. Donate now.

Help us challenge mega-corporations like Liberty Mutual, Bank of America, Procter & Gamble, Nestlé and Mondelēz. Their thirst for endless profits contributes to the widespread destruction of irreplaceable rainforests like the Leuser Ecosystem of North Sumatra and the Amazon rainforest and fuels the expansion of dangerous fossil fuel projects that choke the life out of the planet. For a small organization, RAN's significant impact is only possible because of dedicated supporters like YOU. Your generous donation today makes a world of difference.

Rainforest Rescue: DRC: Do not sacrifice Congo's rainforests to the oil industry!

The DRC government in Kinshasa is nearing a point of no return: President Tshisekedi wants to sacrifice vast areas of Congo rainforest and peatland for oil. This would be an unmitigated disaster for the climate, biodiversity and local people. Together with our African partner organizations, we can put a stop to these plans. The rainforests of the Congo Basin are home to millions of people and countless animal and plant species, including chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas. They are a treasure trove of biodiversity and crucial to the fight against climate change. Despite this, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) began auctioning 27 oil and 3 gas blocks in late July. The blocks cover some of the last remaining intact forests on Earth. Three of the blocks overlap the Cuvette Centrale peatlands, which are estimated to store 30 billion tons of carbon, the equivalent to one years’ worth of global emissions. The peatlands are so vast and remote that little is known about the biodiversity at stake there. Nine oil blocks overlap protected areas. More than half of the Congo Basin's peatlands and 60 percent of its rainforest are in the DRC, the country plays a key role in the fight against the climate crisis. The science is clear: the governments of the world must cut carbon emissions in half within the next eight years. In his speech at the UN's COP26 conference in Glasgow, President Tshisekedi promoted the vital role of the Congo Basin forests in regulating the global climate and his intention to enhance DRC’s energy mix by "combining several types of energy: biomass, hydro, solar." The cost of not doing so, he said, would be a climate crisis. The world cannot afford any further expansion of oil and gas. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), an immediate end to new investment in fossil fuel supply projects is the first step to keep global warming below 1.5°C and achieve global net zero emissions by 2050. In an alliance of environmentalists from Africa and around the world, we want to keep the oil in the ground and the fossil fuel industry out of the Congo Basin. Please sign our joint petition!

DR Congo: Stop the destruction by miners and loggers in Tshopo!

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the second largest area of rainforest on Earth. Defending it is crucial to the fight against climate change and the extinction crisis. Yet miners are polluting rivers and loggers clearing forests in Tshopo province. In the small town of Basoko, local people are fighting back. The people of the small town of Basoko fear for their health and livelihoods: the Aruwimi River, a tributary of the Congo, has been polluted ever since the Chinese mining company Xiang Jiang Mining began dredging for gold there. Some species of fish have disappeared completely. Skin diseases are on the rise. "We say NO to mining in Aruwimi, which is destroying our ecosystem in an anarchic way," states a memorandum to the county government read during a demonstration. On March 11, 2022, residents of the region protested on land and with boats against the trashing of their environment. Mining is not the only threat to nature in Tshopo province: companies such as FODECO, Congo Futur and SOFORMA are reportedly logging at a breakneck pace near Basoko. "They are systematically plundering the forests without any benefit to local people," says Jean-François Mombia Atuku, chairman of the environmental protection organization RIAO-RDC. "Anyone who demands accountability is silenced," he said, adding that workers are "kept like slaves" in the forest. "Human rights are not relevant for these companies." The grievances regarding mining have been heard in the capital Kinshasa: In January 2022, Environment Minister Eve Bazaiba called on Xiang Jiang Mining to cease operations by February 25, 2022. However, nothing has changed since then – the company is still operating, apparently unimpressed. "What we need now is international pressure," says Jean-François Mombia Atuku. It must be brought to bear on President Tshisekedi, who positioned his country as a heavyweight in the fight against the climate crisis during the COP26 climate conference. It’s time to apply that international pressure – please sign our petition.

[broadthing]

Top 10 Dense Forests of the World

Earth’s dense forests are enchanting, mysterious, and crucial to the survival of our planet. These lush green sanctuaries cover vast expanses, harboring an incredible variety of flora and fauna, purifying the air, and regulating our climate. This article takes you on a journey to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking and ecologically vital dense forests.

1. Amazon Rainforest – South America

The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the “Lungs of the Earth,” is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. Stretching across nine South American countries, it spans approximately 6.7 million square kilometers. Home to a mind-boggling diversity of life, the Amazon is teeming with jaguars, macaws, and countless plant species yet to be discovered. Unfortunately, it faces threats like deforestation and habitat loss, making conservation efforts critical.

2. Congo Basin – Africa

The Congo Basin, located in Central Africa, is the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, after the Amazon. This pristine wilderness sprawls across several countries and is home to endangered species like forest elephants, lowland gorillas, and bonobos. The basin plays a vital role in carbon storage and climate regulation, making it a global treasure that requires protection from deforestation and logging.

3. Borneo Rainforest – Southeast Asia

Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, is renowned for its lush rainforests. These forests shelter iconic species like the orangutan and pygmy elephant. However, they are increasingly threatened by deforestation for palm oil and timber. Conservation initiatives aim to protect this biological hotspot.

4. Daintree Rainforest – Australia

The Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, Australia, is a primeval world of ferns, ancient trees, and unique wildlife. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and harbors species found nowhere else on Earth, like the cassowary and Boyd’s forest dragon. Conservation efforts have been successful in safeguarding this remarkable ecosystem.

5. Tongass National Forest – United States

In North America, the Tongass National Forest in Alaska stands as the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Its misty, evergreen expanse is home to wolves, bears, and bald eagles. Although facing pressure from logging and resource extraction, it continues to be a focus for environmental preservation.

6. The Black Forest – Germany

The Black Forest, or Schwarzwald, in Germany, is a storied woodland famous for its dense, dark canopies, which inspired countless myths and fairy tales. This forest offers a unique blend of culture and nature. Tourists visit not only for the stunning landscapes but also for the charming villages that dot its expanse.

7. Val Grande National Park – Italy

Val Grande National Park is Italy’s wildest and least accessible protected area. Located in the Italian Alps, it is characterized by steep terrain, rugged cliffs, and dense woodlands. This park is ideal for adventurers seeking solitude, challenging hikes, and stunning alpine scenery.

8. Taman Negara – Malaysia

Taman Negara, Malaysia’s premier national park, is one of the world’s oldest rainforests. It boasts unique flora and fauna and offers an array of adventures like jungle trekking, canopy walks, and river cruises. The park is home to elusive wildlife such as tigers, leopards, and Asian elephants.

9. Tumuc-Humac Mountains – French Guiana

Tumuc-Humac Mountains in French Guiana are part of the Guiana Shield, one of the world’s last untouched wildernesses. This region is teeming with pristine rainforests and unique ecosystems. It offers a glimpse into the untouched wilderness of South America.

10. Tesso Nilo National Park – Indonesia

Tesso Nilo National Park in Sumatra, Indonesia, is a critical refuge for the critically endangered Sumatran elephant and tiger. Illegal logging and habitat destruction pose significant challenges to this park, making conservation efforts crucial for preserving its remarkable biodiversity.

Exploring these dense forests, whether in person or through the lens of documentaries and photographs, is an opportunity to connect with the wonders of our natural world. They remind us of the beauty, diversity, and fragility of the ecosystems that enrich our lives and inspire us to become better stewards of our planet.

[postcard-from-the-past]

Basins of Léopoldville, modern-day Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Belgian vintage postcard, mailed in 1910

[crystalsandcrochet]

The Congo

[fishfolkart]

African Knifefish - is a member of the Featherback and Knifefishes family. It is widely distributed in tropical Africa, in the Nile, Chad, Niger, Ogowe and Congo basins. Also present in coastal rivers in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Togo, Benin and Cameroon. It prefers quiet waters with vegetation. It can produce barking sounds and it comes to the surface from time to time to swallow air. Feeds at dusk and during the night on worms, crustaceans, insects and snails. It can reach a maximum length of 30 cm (about 12 inches). https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/152957627

[herpsandbirds]

Do you have any bichir to share? My polycule has one and he's still growing. It's very fun to watch!

OK, so this is one of my absolute favorite groups of fishes! I love these little dragons...

Barred Bichir (Polypterus delhezi), family Polypteridae, family Playpteriformes, found in the Congo River System of West Africa

photograph by Hampus Hertzman

Ornate Bichir (Polypterus ornatipinnis), family Polypteridae, family Playpteriformes, found in Lake Tanganyika and the Congo River basin in Central and East Africa

photograph by The Wet Spot

Saddled Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii), family Polypteridae, family Playpteriformes, found in lakes and rivers systems across central Africa

photograph by GoodJoseph & GibbyThick

[belovedbluv]

Scarification Blades of Congo

1 - Tim Hamill

2 Ornate Scarification Knife

Wangata, D.R. Congo

Iron

19th century

De Waele & Lefebvre, Couteaux de Scarifications Du Congo, 2007

3-4 - Pair of Scarification Blades

Kuba / Dengese / Lele / Shoowa / Bushoong / Ngongo / Ngeende, D.R. Congo

Forged iron, copper

Late 19th century

De Waele & Lefebvre, Couteaux de Scarifications Du Congo, 2007

[mapsontheweb]

Africa after the Berlin conference

🇵🇱 "Wielki atlas historyczny", Demart, 2023

via cartesdhistoire

From 1880 onwards, a number of European nations set out to conquer Africa, not for economic reasons (by definition, they were unaware of the continent's resources) but for political and strategic reasons: France sought to make up for its losses in Europe; Great Britain wanted to compensate for its isolation in Europe by enlarging and exalting its empire; Germany and Italy wanted to enhance their prestige through imperial exploits. This new imperialism is thus a nationalistic phenomenon.

The objectives of the West African Conference, or Congo Conference, held in Berlin from Nov. 15, 1884 to Feb. 26, 1885, were to “regulate the freedom of trade in the Congo and Niger basins” and to “prevent misunderstandings and disputes which might arise in the future from the taking of new possessions on the coasts of Africa”. The General Act adopted at the time made no mention of partition The two most important colonial empires were the British and the French. The British system of colonization was profoundly different from the French system (which made colonization the vehicle for the ideals of 1789): for the English, utilitarianism remained the principle of the colonial enterprise. This rule was fueled by a quiet pride that rested on the consciousness of indisputable superiority, and maintained the distance between the master builder and the executors, leading to a solid indifference to local customs, a singular ease at contenting themselves with indirect administration and a disdain for human rapprochement and moral outreach. But extreme vigilance, tenacious energy and continuity of action made it possible to correct excesses or errors. Expansion took place from the coast, and then, after zones of influence had been negotiated on paper by diplomats, borders were gradually demarcated on the ground, sometimes taking into account pre-colonial local realities. The transformation of these limits into frontiers was a long process, requiring multiple adjustments, and was, eventually, only effective at the time of independence.

[blackhistorystoryteller]

Black history is not all about slave trade

Slave trade is not just black history it’s just 10% of the history africa holds

This is a message to my black brothers and sisters in America

Today I will be talking about the Zulu tribe

The ancestors of the Zulu migrated from west Africa into southeastern Africa during the Bantu migrations from 2000 BC until the 15th century. The Zulu tribe expanded into a powerful kingdom, subdued surrounding groups, and settled in the region known as KwaZulu-Natal in present day South Africa. After enduring colonialism and overcoming apartheid, they have emerged as the dominant ethnic group in South Africa todayAccording to Zulu ancestral belief, the first Zulu patriarch was the son of a Nguni chief who lived in the Congo Basin of Central Africa. By the early 1800s, the Zulu had migrated to Natal, where they lived among other Nguni-speaking chiefdoms. There were ongoing power struggles among these chiefdoms.Around 1808, Chief Dingiswayo of the Nguni-speaking Mthethwa people led wars of conquest to end the power struggles among the chiefs in the communities surrounding his chiefdom.Chief Dingiswayo centralized power by organizing the military into age-based groups, rather than lineage-based regimens. This weakened kinship ties of the conquered communities. Chief Dingiswayo left the conquered chiefdoms relatively intact after they accepted his dominion.The Zulu developed into a distinct cultural group by the time they were conquered by Chief Dingiswayo and his Mthethwa people in the early 1800s. At that time, the Zulu were a small lineage numbering around 2,000 people led by Chief Senzangakhona.Shaka, the future founder of the Zulu Kingdom, was the illegitimate son of the Chief Senzangakhona. Shaka was drafted into the Mthethwa and became one of Chief Dingiswayo's bravest warriors. When Chief Senzangakhona died, Shaka seized the Zulu throne.Using Dingiswayo's military style of weakening kinship ties amongst warriors, Shaka controlled the Zulu community. After Dingiswayo's death, he killed the legitimate heir and installed a puppet as Chief of the Mthethwa.Before long, Shaka seized control over Mthethwa's regiments and assumed power of the newly formed Zulu Kingdom in 1818.

Shaka, Zulu King 1818 to 1828.

Zulu tribe facts include the following:

Shaka Day is celebrated in September by slaughtering cattle, wearing traditional clothing, and wielding traditional weapons. Dignitaries from other tribes and nations attend.

Traditionally a senior male is the head of the clan. Young men train from childhood to fight and defend the clan. Members of the clan have kinship ties based on blood or marriage.

To show respect, the Zulu do not refer to elders by their first name; they use "Baba" meaning father, and "Mama" meaning mother.

Patrilineal inheritance and polygamy are practiced in Zulu culture; having more than one wife is acceptable if one can afford it.

In Zulu culture, bride wealth must traditionally be paid in cattle. Most native groups in South Africa, including Nguni-speaking Xhosa, Ndebele, and Swazi pay bride wealth.

[draconesmundi]

What species of dragons are found in Africa? What clades do they belong to?

ooo so I was wanting to do a Smaugust Post about this but I was unsure how, so I'll just reply to this question with 12 very rushed dragon doodles...

(edit; to be clear this is in my creative project Dracones Mundi, not 'real dragons' or a comprehensive list of mythology. Dragon designs inspired by mythology)

Click the 'keep reading' to learn more!

West African Rainbow Serpent (Dracovermidae: Afroserpens iris)

This dragon is specifically a 'west African rainbow serpent' to differentiate been this and the Australian rainbow serpent. The West African Rainbow Serpent is based on West African folklore (Vodun tradition among other things, deities such as Ayedo Wedo etc.) and the physical design is based on an art sculpture of Ayedo Wedo a friend sent me a picture of (black head, white neck collar) + some snakes I like (spots with dark rims) + rainbow gradient.

Grootslang (Dracovermidae: Afroserpens magnus)

A gigantic dragon with diamond eyes said to live in caves under South Africa - looking into South African caves to discover there are vast bodies of water in huge caves was an experience - the above design is a loose idea, the final Grootslang for the Dracones Mundi project may look different...

Elephant Eating Serpent (Dracovermidae: Afroserpens aethiopicus)

Based on bestiaries saying 'big serpents in Africa wrap elephants in their coils'.

Chicken Headed Serpent (Afroserpens gallocephallus)

I might merge this design with the existing cockatrice design (see further below), only time will tell...

Nile Serpent? (Dracovermidae: Dracovermis hydra)

Huge serpent found in the Nile, and in the Mediterranean. Inspiration for Apep/Apophis in Egypt, but also for the Hydra in Greece.

Congan Plated Dragon (Testudracidae: Stegosuchus monstrum)

Large dragon that lives in the Congo Basin - inspired by Mokele Mbembe, Emele Ntouka and Mblieu Mblieu Mblieu

Dinodrakes (Drakonidae: Dinodrako...? )

Silly dragon I put on Madagascar - not inspired by folklore, these are just funny dinosaur inspired dragons. Mr Razzledazzle and his beautiful big wife.

Green Wyvern (Megaviperidae: Megavipera virida)

Based on Europeans slapping a little green dragon on maps of Africa for 'Aethiopia', 'here be dragons'. Also this is Saint George's dragon, so in versions of the legend where the saint fights the dragon in Libya I decided to put the green wyvern in Libya. Green wyverns therefore have a wide distribution in Dracones Mundi as Saint George has fought the dragon throughout North Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Kongomato (Megaviperidae: ?)

A swimming dragon that lives in Zambia - it can grab boats with it's powerful jaws, swim with it's powerful tail and has huge wings. I am not certain on this final design, working on it...

Cockatrice (Medaviperidae: Basilliskos gallimimus)

CHICKEN DRAGON. Very deadly. Found throughout the world, including Africa.

Jaculus (Megaviperidae: Pteraserpens jaculus)

Jaculus, the javeline serpent, can fly at intense speeds, stabbing prey with it's sharp face.

Terrorsaur (Megaviperidae: Pteroserpens...?)

Silly dragon based on "what if janky cartoony green pterodactyls are dragons?" and then I found a lot of cryptozoology places 'pterosaurs' in central Africa. Playing with this concept, nothing solid yet.

...

There are some other African dragons that I'm not sure about including - Ninki Nanka is something I have had on my radar for a while but I could not find enough info on it to write or draw something (recently looked it up again and there is more info wow... Okay next draft will include Ninki Nanka!!!!)

and Akhekhu which I had in a previous draft then abandonned. Might put him back in. Not sure if he's dragony enough?

So in this current roster of African dragons we have 6 inspired by African folklore and mythology (Grootslang, Rainbow Serpent, Nile Serpent, Congan Plated Dragon, Kongomato, Chicken Headed Serpent) 4 inspired by European mythology saying 'this lives in Africa' (Cockatrice, Green wyvern, Jaculus, Elephant Eating Serpent) and 2 I made up just for fun (Dinodrakes and Terrorsaurs)

[kemetic-dreams]

Music of African heritage in Cuba derives from the musical traditions of the many ethnic groups from different parts of West and Central Africa that were brought to Cuba as slaves between the 16th and 19th centuries. Members of some of these groups formed their own ethnic associations or cabildos, in which cultural traditions were conserved, including musical ones. Music of African heritage, along with considerable Iberian (Spanish) musical elements, forms the fulcrum of Cuban music.

Much of this music is associated with traditional African religion – Lucumi, Palo, and others – and preserves the languages formerly used in the African homelands. The music is passed on by oral tradition and is often performed in private gatherings difficult for outsiders to access. Lacking melodic instruments, the music instead features polyrhythmic percussion, voice (call-and-response), and dance. As with other musically renowned New World nations such as the United States, Brazil and Jamaica, Cuban music represents a profound African musical heritage.

Clearly, the origin of African groups in Cuba is due to the island's long history of slavery. Compared to the USA, slavery started in Cuba much earlier and continued for decades afterwards. Cuba was the last country in the Americas to abolish the importation of slaves, and the second last to free the slaves. In 1807 the British Parliament outlawed slavery, and from then on the British Navy acted to intercept Portuguese and Spanish slave ships. By 1860 the trade with Cuba was almost extinguished; the last slave ship to Cuba was in 1873. The abolition of slavery was announced by the Spanish Crown in 1880, and put into effect in 1886. Two years later, Brazil abolished slavery.

Although the exact number of slaves from each African culture will never be known, most came from one of these groups, which are listed in rough order of their cultural impact in Cuba:

The Congolese from the Congo Basin and SW Africa. Many ethnic groups were involved, all called Congos in Cuba. Their religion is called Palo. Probably the most numerous group, with a huge influence on Cuban music.

The Oyó or Yoruba from modern Nigeria, known in Cuba as Lucumí. Their religion is known as Regla de Ocha (roughly, 'the way of the spirits') and its syncretic version is known as Santería. Culturally of great significance.

The Kalabars from the Southeastern part of Nigeria and also in some part of Cameroon, whom were taken from the Bight of Biafra. These sub Igbo and Ijaw groups are known in Cuba as Carabali,and their religious organization as Abakuá. The street name for them in Cuba was Ñáñigos.

The Dahomey, from Benin. They were the Fon, known as Arará in Cuba. The Dahomeys were a powerful group who practised human sacrifice and slavery long before Europeans arrived, and allegedly even more so during the Atlantic slave trade.

Haiti immigrants to Cuba arrived at various times up to the present day. Leaving aside the French, who also came, the Africans from Haiti were a mixture of groups who usually spoke creolized French: and religion was known as vodú.

From part of modern Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire came the Gangá.

Senegambian people (Senegal, the Gambia), but including many brought from Sudan by the Arab slavers, were known by a catch-all word: Mandinga. The famous musical phrase Kikiribu Mandinga! refers to them.

Subsequent organization

The roots of most Afro-Cuban musical forms lie in the cabildos, self-organized social clubs for the African slaves, and separate cabildos for separate cultures. The cabildos were formed mainly from four groups: the Yoruba (the Lucumi in Cuba); the Congolese (Palo in Cuba); Dahomey (the Fon or Arará). Other cultures were undoubtedly present, more even than listed above, but in smaller numbers, and they did not leave such a distinctive presence.

Cabildos preserved African cultural traditions, even after the abolition of slavery in 1886. At the same time, African religions were transmitted from generation to generation throughout Cuba, Haiti, other islands and Brazil. These religions, which had a similar but not identical structure, were known as Lucumi or Regla de Ocha if they derived from the Yoruba, Palo from Central Africa, Vodú from Haiti, and so on. The term Santería was first introduced to account for the way African spirits were joined to Catholic saints, especially by people who were both baptized and initiated, and so were genuine members of both groups. Outsiders picked up the word and have tended to use it somewhat indiscriminately. It has become a kind of catch-all word, rather like salsa in music.

The ñáñigos in Cuba or Carabali in their secret Abakuá societies, were one of the most terrifying groups; even other blacks were afraid of them:

Girl, don't tell me about the ñáñigos! They were bad. The carabali was evil down to his guts. And the ñáñigos from back in the day when I was a chick, weren't like the ones today... they kept their secret, like in Africa.

African sacred music in Cuba

All these African cultures had musical traditions, which survive erratically to the present day, not always in detail, but in the general style. The best preserved are the African polytheistic religions, where, in Cuba at least, the instruments, the language, the chants, the dances and their interpretations are quite well preserved. In few or no other American countries are the religious ceremonies conducted in the old language(s) of Africa, as they are at least in Lucumí ceremonies, though of course, back in Africa the language has moved on. What unifies all genuine forms of African music is the unity of polyrhythmic percussion, voice (call-and-response) and dance in well-defined social settings, and the absence of melodic instruments of an Arabic or European kind.

Not until after the Second World War do we find detailed printed descriptions or recordings of African sacred music in Cuba. Inside the cults, music, song, dance and ceremony were (and still are) learnt by heart by means of demonstration, including such ceremonial procedures conducted in an African language. The experiences were private to the initiated, until the work of the ethnologist Fernando Ortíz, who devoted a large part of his life to investigating the influence of African culture in Cuba. The first detailed transcription of percussion, song and chants are to be found in his great works.

There are now many recordings offering a selection of pieces in praise of, or prayers to, the orishas. Much of the ceremonial procedures are still hidden from the eyes of outsiders, though some descriptions in words exist.

Yoruba and Congolese rituals

Main articles: Yoruba people, Lucumi religion, Kongo people, Palo (religion), and Batá

Religious traditions of African origin have survived in Cuba, and are the basis of ritual music, song and dance quite distinct from the secular music and dance. The religion of Yoruban origin is known as Lucumí or Regla de Ocha; the religion of Congolese origin is known as Palo, as in palos del monte.[11] There are also, in the Oriente region, forms of Haitian ritual together with its own instruments and music.

In Lucumi ceremonies, consecrated batá drums are played at ceremonies, and gourd ensembles called abwe. In the 1950s, a collection of Havana-area batá drummers called Santero helped bring Lucumí styles into mainstream Cuban music, while artists like Mezcla, with the lucumí singer Lázaro Ros, melded the style with other forms, including zouk.

The Congo cabildo uses yuka drums, as well as gallos (a form of song contest), makuta and mani dances. The latter is related to the Brazilian martial dance capoeira