Songs, Renaissance and Mourning: an ethnography of the ritualistic knowledge of Altair Bento de Oliveira in the Ketu nation's Candomblé

Abstract

This Article, part of my master's thesis, aims to present an ethnography about the contribution of Bàbálòrìṣà Altair Bento de Oliveira to the Ketu nation's Candomblé, in understanding the main rituals performed in the terreiros. Known among the Bàbálòrìṣà and Iyálòrìṣà as a “Visionary” for having opened the door to the secret of the cult held in the houses, his contributions are described in his three literary works: the first called “Singing for the Òrìṣà” (Pallas), describes the translation of the songs used in the festivities; the second, entitled Ẹlẹ́gùn (Pallas), explains the main rituals that are performed within the initiation rite and the third book “Àṣèṣé: the restart of life” (published independently), describes the funeral ritual for the initiated adepts. Thus, even under criticism from the most conservative priests, these publications became a masterpiece for scholars and followers within the Afro-Brazilian religious universe.