Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RELIGION
Of West African origin, most of
Brazil's original slave popula-
tion believed in a pantheon of
deities, or
orixás (see p194)
.
Each
orixá
was endowed with
its own personality and unique
powers, and was associated
with a particular set of natural
elements. The Portuguese,
however, insisted that all new
arrivals be forcibly converted
to Catholicism. The struggle
gave rise to Candomblé, a
blending of Catholicism and
the African beliefs
(see p35)
.
Festive celebrations
, such as the Lavagem do Bonfim
(see p195)
,
can be experienced in and around Salvador. The day is meant to
honor Yemanjá, the Goddess of the Sea. The ceremonies blend
Catholic-style processions with African beats and music.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Many of the Bahian arts and crafts are strongly
influenced by Afro-Brazilian traditions. The
Mercado Modelo
(see p192)
in Salvador is a
good place for souvenirs. Look for
berimbaus
and percussion instruments, sometimes painted
in bright colors, as well as masks and pottery.
Wooden masks
are
intricately carved and
decorated with stones,
shells, and beads. The
northeastern masks are
allegoric representations
of the
orixás
.
Colorful figurines
are
produced by local
artisans as part of
the rich pottery
tradition in the
Northeast. Drawn
from popular folklore,
these figurines are sold
throughout the region.
DRESS
The most striking sartorial examples of African influence are the Baianas,
the women in turbans and long white dresses, often seen on the streets
of Salvador selling
acarajé (see p179)
. The ensemble is believed to be
derived from the traditional dress of women in Nigeria. While their
dresses are often similar, each Baiana wears a different set of jewelry
to pay homage to her particular
orixá
(deity).
Colorful beads
and trinkets
can
be bought from
the Baianas.
Every color is
known to denote
a specific
orixá
;
the blue is for
Oshun, while red
represents Yansã.
A young Baiana
can be seen
in layers of
starched lace
skirts, a shoul-
der cloth, high
turban, and
yellow and
white beads
and accessories.
