Bwiti
From Free net encyclopedia
Bwiti is a West- and Central-African animistic religion practiced by the wood-dwelling Babongo and Mitsogo people of Gabon (where it is one of the three official religions) and the Fang people of Gabon and Cameroon. Bwiti uses the hallucinogenic rootbark of the Tabernanthe iboga plant, specially cultivated for the religion, to induce a spiritual enlightenment and to solve problems of a spiritual nature (sometimes making the user sick enough to vomit). The active ingredient of the root, ibogaine, has been studied scientifically. The unextracted root bark has been used for hundreds or thousands of years as part of a Bwiti coming of age ceremony, producing complex visions and insights.
Bwiti ceremonies are led by a (male or female) spiritual leader called N'ganga who is a very important member of the community and has extensive knowledge of traditional healing practices, hexes and spells. The crucial rite of Bwiti is the initiation ceremony, when young Gabonese men take iboga for the first time in the men's hut to become members of the religion. There are many ceremonies at different times of the year to give homage to the ancestors. Special ceremonies may be held to heal sick persons or drive out harmful spirits.
During many ceremonies, a traditional torch made of bark and tree sap is burned. Often, music is played by hired musicians playing drums and a traditional lap harp called a sitar. The N'ganga and other participants usually dress in red, black and white cloth. They may wear skirts of raffia material and small shells or beads. Animal skins, such as civet cat fur, are often worn. The iboga root is usually made into a tea that is drunk by ceremony participants, whereas onlookers will often chew the root to stay awake. Soda and beer are also served. Ceremonies usually begin at midnight and last until dawn.
Sources
- BBC TV Series "Tribe" - explorer Bruce Parry spent a month living amongst the Babongo and got initiatedde:Bwiti