The Nganga is a consecrated ritual (iron) cauldron, gourd, or clay pot* filled with earth, sticks, bones, herbs, and other sacred objects.* It is central to the religious practice of Palo Mayombe.

The Nganga (also referred to as Prenda or cazuela), also houses spirits of the dead, as well as more powerful spirits known as Nikisi, who are roguhly equivalent to the Orishas of Santeria/Candomble. Usually, the Prenda represents the Nikisi directly, and the terms are often used interchangably- one's Prenda is also one's Nikisi.

A Nganga/Prenda may only be possessed by a fully initiated Palero/a. Possession of a Prenda allows an initiate to form his or her own Manansa, or House of Palo. Possession of multiple Ngangas housing different Nkisi is common.

Items that may be included in a nganga include:

• sticks
• skulls, bones (animal and huma)
• shells and/or stones
• cemetery/grave dirt
• cloth
• sacred herbs
• wooden statues representing nkisi
• crosses or crucifixes
• lodestones or magnets
• symbolic items such as toys, handcuffs, weapons
• iron objects: balls, horseshoes, nails, railroad spikes, chains, etc.