Reader Question - Abakua societies

I was wondering if you had any information about the Cuban religion Abakua. I have searched the internet inside and out to find any information on this religion and have had no luck. They are a secret men's society and it originates back to Africa, I do know that much. But I would like to know how one becomes part of the religion, the basic history, what the religion worships. Things like that. I do know a few words related such as arara...possibly a saint?? nanigo are "priests" that are higher up...and naniguismo. Beyond that I am stuck and frustrated. Would you be able to find ANY information on this for me?

Answer:

Hi, Valerie. I don't know a lot about these groups. I do know there are several such "societies," and that they originated in Cuba, not Africa, mainly as "mutual aid" societies for slaves, mostly those of Nigerian origin. There are quite a few of these societies, they are all male-only, and they have various names/traditions under the umbrella of Abakua- Naniguismo is one of these, and Naniga are the drum rhythms used in public and private ceremonies. They appear to be similar in many ways to the secret societies of Vodoun.

The societies are quite a bit like Masonic organizations, in that their primary focus is to provide Moral guidelines, and to encourage right living in their initiates. Like Masonry, they also have "grades," or hierarchies of members. This is probably not coincidental, as many of these faith groups absorbed elements of Freemasonry from colonists.

From what I can find, the ceremonies are very similar to others of African origin in the area (Lukumi/Santeria, etc.) There is drumming, there are dances to honor the ancestors, and they employ ritual symbols similar to the Veves of Vodoun. They employ masks and costumes in rituals. The "deities" (Saints) appear to be related to the Orishas of Lukumi. Arara is one of these-he is related to Lukumi's Babalu Aye ("Babalu"). Reading up a bit on related traditions, like Lukumi or Candomble, should give you some idea of the spiritual outlook of these groups.