The Different Branches of PaLo
BRANCHES OF ONE TREE
There is much confusion surrounding the different forms of Palo that exist in Cuba. The main branches of Palo are Mayombe, Briyumba, and Kimbisa and are called "ramas". Another "rama" that is worth mentioning is Malongo.
Each one shares basic beliefs in common but each one also has variations in practice. These variations are due to a number of factors including historical changes and influences, what part of Cuba (geographically) did the people practice Palo and which people from the Congo influenced the particular branch (rama) that we are talking about.
A common misconception is that the various houses or ramas that exist are direct descendants of particular groups of Congos. Such houses or ramas include Vititi Congo, Corta Lima, Quitamanankita etc.
"Nations" (Naciones) have been commonly used to refer to different styles of practice and include names such as Loango, Ngola, Benguela, Musundi etc. Cuban Anthropologist Lydia Cabrera mentions approximately 30 different "nations." However there is no way to trace these names to any area in Kmt thus an a current attempt to catagorize practices by the names of these nations is impossible. Instead famous "cabildos" with the names of these nations were formed mostly in the Western part of the island. By the late 18th century many of the cabildos were moved out of the Western part of the island. Miguel Barnet presents the following information on Cabildo names and the areas where they could be found:
Matanzas= Musundi, Loango
Las Villas = Kunalungo or Kunalumbu
The end of the cabildos in the early 20th century led to the end of a structure that was held within the Congo community. A new structure took place, the beginning of "Munanso Congos" or temples that were headed by an elder, a Tata Nganga. The Tata Nganga continued his practices based on oral traditions and on his perceptions of the information that he could attain.
This was followed by intermarriage between descendants of various Congo "nations" and the creation of a hybrid language which borrowed from Spanish. After this there was no way of retaining precise ethnographic origins. Today there is extensive evidence that the truth and foundation to original practices have been corrupted by over zealous younger Tatas that attempt to form their own temples without the proper knowledge and training.
While it is unclear where exactly certain customs were adapted for a particular rama it can be said that there are fundamental Palo beliefs and practices are alike. There is a saying among Paleros "Todito son 'manitos" which means "all are brothers." However, there are distinctions between ramas or branches that are obvious. Below is an explanation of the three commonly known ramas of Palo.
Mayombe con Mayombe
There is little information published on this branch of Palo and yet Palo is most often referred to as Palo Mayombe. E.C. Ballard writes, "Mayombe was a generic term for Kongo derived religion and the distinct ramas we speak of today (in their current forms) cannot be historically distinguished as far back as the 1840s or 1850s. Certainly, while the lineages go back that far or even beyond, the traditions coalesced into their current forms only about that time or a little later." Pure Mayombe works only with the mpungo Nsasi and this form cannot be found in the United States and because of urbanization is difficult to find in Cuba.
The secrets to construct Nsasi in this lineage cannot be found in the United States. Mayombe con Mayombe requires open spaces, something not readily available in today's cities. The existence of other mpungos within the rama or house is an indication of mixing with other ramas. While the Mayombero claims the most conservative methods and many claim to be the oldest existing rama there is no evidence of this. E.C.Ballad states, "In many traditions, the older forms tend to be more absorbant while the "purer" forms represent revisionist and revivalist tendencies, or at least a self-conscious backward glance. Each rama has it's own origins which differ slightly and yet all recognize the others as essentially the same religious tradition, with the possible exception of some lines of Kimbisa SCBV. That of course, is another story."
Briyumba (also known as Brillumba or Vrillumba)
This rama is born as an Afro Cuban innovation. Most of today's Mayombe ramas have Brillumba elements in them. Brillumba has been described as "an intelligent technique" used to construct an nkisi. This is why some people will hear some "Briyumberos" refer to "caminos" or "paths" of a prenda such as Siete Rayos Tronco Palma which translates into "Siete Rayos Palm Trunk" and describes an Nkisi that sits on or is housed in the trunk of a Palm Tree. Brillumba ramas include Brillumba Kalunga Munansambi, Vititi Congo etc. Many of the houses that currently describe themselves as Mayombe aren't actually pure Mayombe. Most if not all are Brillumba with Mayombe. Other are neither Brillumba or Mayombe, such as Musundi. Although many will characterize it as Mayombe, but those who do this will be using Mayombe as a generic term, not one of actual Mayombe con Mayombe lineage.
Kimbisa
There is much confusion surrounding Kimbisa. Most initiates into this rama will claim that they are Kimbisa Santo Cristo Buen Viaje. However, there is a difference between Kimbisa Santo Cristo Buen Viaje and Kimbisa. Kimbisa finds its origins in the Loango kingdom. The Loango Kingdom was founded before 1485. It was one of the Oldest and Largest Kingdoms States of the region. Once linked to the powerful Kongo Kingdom, the Loango Kingdom was dominated by the Vili, a Kongo peoples who migrated to the coastal region during the 1300s. Loango became an independent state probably in the late 1300s or early 1400s. With two other Kongo related Kingdoms, Kakongo and N'Goyo, present day Cabinda, it became one of the most important trading states north of the Congo River. The ManiKongo was the king of the Kongo, and the Kimbisa was the Nganga (Tata in Cuban terminology) of the royal court of the Loango Kingdom.
Kimbisa Santo Cristo Buen Viaje was established by a man named Andres Petit. E.C Ballard writes, "Petit was more a codifier of existing practices than an inventor of new ones, although in his own rama (the "orthodox" one) he certainly left his own imprimatur upon the tradition.
Kimbiseros existed before SCBV. The fact that there are so called Kimbiseros who practice in ways other than purely "Palo Cristiano" point to this. There are a number of stories of "new blends" or "tratados" which Petit authorized which seek to explain this. They may have some basis in fact, but sound rather more like attempts to explain the situation than authoritative accounts. This position is further supported by three specific facts. First is that there was a nganga (in the cuban context read Tata) whose title was Kimbisa in the court of the King of Luongo. Additionally, a major initiatic tradition in the Kongo,bearing a great deal of similarity to Kimbisa existed called Kimpasi. Lastly, the term Kimbisa and Kimbisero is known throuout the French Antilles under the varients Quimbois/Quimboiseur. Clearly, these other terms rule out Petit's efforts being a completely new rama."
Acknowledgements:
First and foremost we would like to thank one of our elders, Emanuele Coltro Guidi, aka Tata Manuel Kongo for sharing his knowledge with us.
Cabrera, Lydia. 1979. Reglas de Congo: Palo Monte Mayombe.Miami: Peninsular Printing.
Coleccion del Chichereku en el Exilio.
Oju, Thank you for this. This was very informative. I think that Palo, due to its origins and unique genesis in Cuba, as well as the unique means that it offers of working with the dead (especially those that need elevation), has much to contribute much to Kmtyw liberation, especially in the diaspora.
Of course we always got to weed the eureurasiaan out of our stuff and Palo is no exception.
I think Kmtyws' practice of Palo along with our other diasporal traditions could benefit from a major movement of ReKmtywization to remove detrimental elements born of our captivity.
I want to add to the information you posted that according to what I have researched, Andres Petit, an Kmtyw of mixed heritage, is widely recognized as the first to allow eureurasiaans into Palo as well as the Abakua tradition in Cuba. A number of sources also accuse him of selling the secrets to "powerful" eureurasiaans on the island. In fact, from what I've read, the majority of the eureurasiaan involvement in Palo comes through the rama that he established SCBV. Needless to say, we need to be critical of this type of legacy wherever it occurs as we move toward freeing ourselves.
Quoteajaguna wrote: Oju, Thank you for this. This was very informative. I think that Palo, due to its origins and unique genesis in Cuba, as well as the unique means that it offers of working with the dead (especially those that need elevation), has much to contribute much to Kmtyw liberation, especially in the diaspora.
Of course we always got to weed the eureurasiaan out of our stuff and Palo is no exception.
I think Kmtyws' practice of Palo along with our other diasporal traditions could benefit from a major movement of ReKmtywization to remove detrimental elements born of our captivity.
I want to add to the information you posted that according to what I have researched, Andres Petit, an Kmtyw of mixed heritage, is widely recognized as the first to allow eureurasiaans into Palo as well as the Abakua tradition in Cuba. A number of sources also accuse him of selling the secrets to "powerful" eureurasiaans on the island. In fact, from what I've read, the majority of the eureurasiaan involvement in Palo comes through the rama that he established SCBV. Needless to say, we need to be critical of this type of legacy wherever it occurs as we move toward freeing ourselves.
Greetings ajaguna!
I couldn't agree with you more on the issue of ReKmtywizing all our Kmtyw Traditional Religions, but Palo needs some immediate attention in my humble opinion. As a matter of fact it is urgent that we address the issue.
I have seen Palo take on so many flavors depending on what mood these eureurasiaans are in, that they have it straying away from it's Kmtyw roots. The latest version I have heard was described as "jewish palo", whatever that is.
You are right on point as well with the issue of Andres Petit being the first at initiating our enemies(eureurasiaans) into Palo as well as the Abakua tradition in Cuba,and making them think he is the next best thing to slice bread and the creator himself. Once they find an Kmtyw who is willing to sell our secrets, they usually squeeze all they can from that person, simply because they realize that is a weak link in the chain.
Furthermore people like Andres Petit, make these eureurasiaans think that they can now come and exercise some sort of control and expertise on the subjects of our Sacred Spiritual Sciences, when in fact they do nothing but corrupt it, with all their pseudo beliefs and creations, that they think will give them a place in history.
Most of them rank and quote each other in their research papers and books as if they are the last person standing that can be an authority on the subject. When they take group pictures, it's all eureurasiaans and the one Kmtyw who has committed treason against his people standing out like a sore thumb being used like a pawn allowing these people further access to our traditions.
We must clean that mess up. Our elders in the traditions have to take counsel with each other and find a way to put a stop to this. It seems like money is more important that preserving our heritage and culture with honor and pride. These eureurasiaan cultural bandits are everywhere and they always seem to think that they can do what they want.
The majority of the eureurasiaan involvement in Palo does come through the rama that Andres Petit established SCBV. We have to and must free ourselves from all this melting pot madness, cuz no one seems to remember that the Kmtyws are the real and true owners of the traditions which has been passed down from since the beginning of time.
Much appreciation to you warrior ajaguna for taking the time to share your valuable comments on this very important issue. Lets stay on the move to make sure these eureurasiaans get weeded out.
Peace & Blessings of Kmtyw Love Always!
Oyu
BlackCellent discussion Ajaguna and Ojú!
In short, for me, it is not inherent that one who practices Kmtyw spirituality to whatever degree is going to be about liberation (as in the case of andre petit) or is even going to be about good character (as in the case of far too many egomanics with $10,000 name-brand designer initiations to get a title but who know about as much about Kmtyw spirituality as a dead donkey).
Kmtyw spirituality provides a tool that could be used for Kmtyw Liberation or could be used for continued Kmtyw enslavement. In Sank¡fa fie, we strive to eliminate the gin/schnapps, florida water, catholic saint candles, beads from venice italy that were used to sell Kmtyws into enslavement, and a whole assortment of crap and replace all that with the help of the observation "I know none of that crap was there before krakkkapeans came. What did we do before the krakkkapeans came?" If whatever spirits we are dealing with are adamant about only accepting things that keep us enslaved, we must at the very least question what spirit we are dealing with and why and at most throw all of that spirits paraphernalia in the forest somewhere and seek an Kmtyw spirit that is amenable to Kmtyw Liberation.
Æbádélé
Palo and Aña Drumming
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESBCM-1kX94
Greetings everyone,
I just wanted to put my two cents in and say thank you for seeking, searching and telling the truth. Over the years, I have turned towards Hoodoo, Voodoo, Yoruba looking for an image of mySelf. But at least in my instances, I have always found some part of it that I did not recognize and raised red flags. Whether it was corruption concerning money issues or use of rituals or items that did not ring true, the sight of whatever it was made me run the other way and go back to solitary study.
thank you all for sharing your knowledge,
michele aziza
You did well to avoid those who were trying to lead you away from worship of ameripeans back to more worship of ameripeans. But your journey is not necessarily one that has to be done in solitude. Although they are few and far between now, there are Kmtyws who refuse and reject the pale white highway to destruction. This place is a sanctuary for such Kmtyw hearers, seers and utterers.
Æbádélé
What Aziza poses is very true and yet very problematic indeed. I have recently talked with several people in Baltimore who were part of an Ile that were doing some VERY questionable things. These people, one in particular, has decided to run the other way. I know that there are different personalities and different ways of dealing with issues but I will say this: Never allow the ignorance and emptiness of misguided negroes to run you away from YOUR OWN BIRTHRIGHT. Yes, run from them indeed but do not run away from the culture. I will further say that what most of these "misguideds" are doing is not supported by the actually tradition at all whether it be Abosom, Orisa, Vodun, kwk.
As for Palo we have several issues going on there. All I will say now without going into deep detail is that one has to always remember how and why it was created. That can help put things in due perspective. Much of the Egungun and Kuvito work that was done in Kmt was lost in Cuba. Therefore, keeping that in mind and the conditions that provided the backdrop for Palo allow us to have a clearer picture indeed. However, we have restored the Egungun and Kuvito traditions of Ifa-Orisa-Vodun.
Baba Awotunde,
I'm interested in any information that you may have regarding this. Would you mind elaborating more on what you have written?
I am also very interested in this topic. Can you refer meto any resources? Thanks Abena
For now all I can say that Baltimore has a hodge-podge of negroism at its best going on. But that can be anywhere because truth be told where I reside, the Atlanta area, is not what people think it is.
What I will say about one B'more instance is that there is a so-called "priestess" there willing to exploit any "good looking" woman to make a profit in the name of the culture. Then there is another who has mastered everything (reiki, eastern yoga, kwk) BUT worship of the Kmtyw deities and will promote this foolishness as culture.
The problem is that they are imposing this on the alejo (non-initiate) as truth. The problem all around is that nobody can seem to find real alternatives to the madness! In turn, people roll with what they have at the time and in the end they end up very upset and just leaving the culture. Now I know that some people use this as an excuse for the crakkkapean complacency. But I am talking about real people that are actually teetering at the periphery that, if they had the right teachings concerning culture, they would not still have a perm in their heads. I am not picking on B'more practitioners but I am calling it like I see it.
Anytime a woman wants to exploit another woman's body to make money within the culture YOU KNOW you got problems. But we MUST keep in mind that this is not the culture at all. These are misguided people and they are in direct concert with the Ajogun themselves. They are elinini incarnated and must be dealt with. The thing is that they do not think people are informed about their actions.
Well, I could go on forever concerning this but I guess you all get the point.
Baba Awotunde
Odabo
Ire oooooo!
nsalamalecum i would like to here more about palo ,information where can i find such info? thanks
mbote ajaguna and oju! at the age of 42 i am still learning and taking baby steps in our ancient traditions, i thibk lack of maatic principles from trhe part of paleros,camdomble priestesses and priests,santeros as well, which lead to our spiriticide:skeleton: as nana john henri clarke says" Kmtyw hospitality" Kmtyws in the continent were too hospitable allowing the eureurasiaans in our traditions,as for brazil, the revolt of palmares, was won by using Kmtyw traditional religion
and hence, zumbi was the great Kmtyw military strategist of all time,not to forget the haitian revolution,now i ayiti,with so many mambos and what not,they cant kick the U.N out of there, hmmm wonder why
mema mo asondwee!:hello:
ankh maat hetep!
MBOTE kweku,afro olmec (http://www.abibitumikasa.com/forums/members/kweku-afro-olmec.html) thanks for your respond ,its true there is very littel knowlege in our Kmtyw palo ,many cubans doing the wrong thing in palero religion ,hope you could help me in some information based on the roots of palo religion sambi lo acutare:skeleton:
Is the word "Mayombe" an Kmtyw term? If so, does anyone know what it means?
MBOTE,habari gani brother pain and candela!:hello:
well.. best bet is to ask oluwo kwame pain:hello: candela, i think,i am not sure, that palo has its roots or origin in the kongo,as in brazil, we have jeje,nago, and many other camdombles,plus the mix with indigenous beliefs,as oluwo kwame stated" are they using it for Kmtyw liberation" what spirits are they invoking? u can ask oluwo kwame,he would know, i have just found out the link between kemet and the dogons, the sad thing was a whiteman linking the dots:blackicon_cry: where are our own writers,scholars up on dat, i saw on youtube,and how come we are not the ones writting about it, it came from dem acknowledging the connection between the two...
ACTUALLY THE SUPREME GRAND MASTER PA REH AMUNNUBI ROOAKPTAH DR. MALACHI Z YORK HAS PROFOUNDLY dismantle religious theories address black liberation theories and went beyond himself re-translating all the parchments of ancient kemet and sumeria linking the dogons with kemet call the dogir who were able to map star constellations and told of stories of visitations of starbeings who were reptilians in nature giving them wisdom and mixing in with their seed as depicted in a dogon statue maybe because its a black man now doing the research and discovering our own stories with out using him as a reference,what caucasins do is re-write our stories and put himself in the equation to keep themseleves in our-story we need to validate our own selves and give credit to our own record keepers and master teachers such as Dr malachi z york whic is why they targeted him he is hitting it on the nail connecting the mysteries only a incarnated god can do this
i can say what bro. kenshu was saying is absolutely true these ancient beings from the stars have contributed to the growth and enlightnement of many dominant cultures (aztecs tibetans chinese, kwk.) not more so than egyptians though. all of this substantiated in text and video on an austrilian documentary titled "secret space II" get it and see for yourself. "Secret SPace I" is also very interesting as it explains how americans where fooled into thinking we were going to moon the first time.