more on Afro-Caribbean Percussion and Orishas
In Aimee's Drumming Class, we learned about the percussion instrument known as the Shekere. The Shekere is originates from Nigeria and is played
in Afro-Cuban music (many of the slaves brought to Cuba
were from Nigeria
It is traditionally made from a gourd that is covered in beads that have been woven together, kind of like a loose fitting, open weave "scarf" of beads. The beads slilde and move over the gourd.
The beads that cover the shekere are sometimes covered in colors that represent the Orisas from the tradition of Ifa (known as Santeria inCuba
In the hands of someone that is knowledgeable in the Ways of Ifa and the Orishas, the Shakere becomes a powerful vessel.
Some of the more commonly known Orisas are:
Elegua, The Door Opener. He stands in the crossroads and four corners. No Ceremony is started without paying Tribute to Him first. He is also considered a Trickster and a challenging Teacher. His colors are black & red.
Oshun, the Goddess of Love, Sensuality and Rivers. She radiates beauty and teachers us to love our bodies. All things of beauty and adornment are considered Hers. Her color is gold.
Yemaya, the Goddess of the Ocean. She is mother of all the Orishas and the Source of all the Waters and all Life. She is fertile, nuturing, motherly and very protective. Her colors are blue and white.
Ogun, the God of Iron. He is a warrior and rules over metal working; a blacksmith, a tool maker. His colors are Green and Black.
Chango, God of Thunder and Lightning, Fire. He is the Sky Father, ruling over the weather and a powerful Orisa of Fire. He is also known as the God of Drumming and Dancing. His colors are red & white.
Special notes:
Goddess and god are terms used to help people understand what an Orisa is but that is
not really how they are referenced in Ifa.
Credit for the information shared here goes in part to Joe Platz, who is one of Aimee Gelina's teachers and to Aimee Gelinas.
Listen to the talking drums, let their song carry you to Spirit.
It is traditionally made from a gourd that is covered in beads that have been woven together, kind of like a loose fitting, open weave "scarf" of beads. The beads slilde and move over the gourd.
The beads that cover the shekere are sometimes covered in colors that represent the Orisas from the tradition of Ifa (known as Santeria in
In the hands of someone that is knowledgeable in the Ways of Ifa and the Orishas, the Shakere becomes a powerful vessel.
Some of the more commonly known Orisas are:
Elegua, The Door Opener. He stands in the crossroads and four corners. No Ceremony is started without paying Tribute to Him first. He is also considered a Trickster and a challenging Teacher. His colors are black & red.
Oshun, the Goddess of Love, Sensuality and Rivers. She radiates beauty and teachers us to love our bodies. All things of beauty and adornment are considered Hers. Her color is gold.
Yemaya, the Goddess of the Ocean. She is mother of all the Orishas and the Source of all the Waters and all Life. She is fertile, nuturing, motherly and very protective. Her colors are blue and white.
Ogun, the God of Iron. He is a warrior and rules over metal working; a blacksmith, a tool maker. His colors are Green and Black.
Chango, God of Thunder and Lightning, Fire. He is the Sky Father, ruling over the weather and a powerful Orisa of Fire. He is also known as the God of Drumming and Dancing. His colors are red & white.
Special notes:
Goddess and god are terms used to help people understand what an Orisa is but that is
not really how they are referenced in Ifa.
Credit for the information shared here goes in part to Joe Platz, who is one of Aimee Gelina's teachers and to Aimee Gelinas.
Listen to the talking drums, let their song carry you to Spirit.
Comments