''Kélé'' is an
Afro-Saint Lucian religion, originated from the
Djiné people of the
Babonneau region.
Its primary deities are
Ogun,
Shango
Shango (Yoruba language: Ṣàngó, also known as Changó or Xangô in Latin America; as Jakuta or Badé; and as Ṣangó in Trinidad Orisha) is an Orisha (or spirit) in Yoruba religion. Genealogically speaking, Shango is a royal ancestor of th ...
and
Eshu. ''Kélé'' ceremonies include the drumming of the ''tanbou manman'' (''mother drum'') and the ''tanbou ich'' (''child drum'') of the
Batá drum
The Batá drum is a double-headed hourglass drum with one end larger than the other. The percussion instrument is still used for its original purpose as it is one of the most important drums in the Yoruba land and used for traditional and relig ...
family. The religion has its origins in African slaves of the
Babonneau region. The religion is strongly connected to the
Ogun festival in Nigeria. Repressed by the Roman Catholic church until the early 1960s, it had been practiced in secrecy underground. The ritual includes the display of smooth stones (one of Shango's worship items) and iron or steel items in honor of Ogun. The faith itself is believed by some scholars to be a Saint Lucian version of
Yoruba religion
The Yorùbá religion (Yoruba language, Yoruba: Ìṣẹ̀ṣe), West African Orisa (Òrìṣà), or Isese (Ìṣẹ̀ṣe), comprises the traditional religious and spiritual concepts and practice of the Yoruba people. Its homeland is in pres ...
.
Name
The name ''Kélé'' comes from the word ''ikele'', which refers to white beads worn by Yoruba Shango devotees in Nigeria. The religion is also sometimes referred to as "Chango."
History
''Kélé'' was introduced to Saint Lucia by enslaved Yoruba speakers.
It was banned by colonial authorities in Saint Lucia.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kele
Afro-American religion
Afro-Caribbean culture
Religion in Saint Lucia