''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