Santeria Basics
Afro Cuban religion blending Yoruba worship with Catholic saints
Santeria
Divine spirits or deities in Santeria each governing a life domain
Orishas
Drums central to Santeria ritual ceremonies, of Yoruba origin
Batá drums
Cuban percussionist and santero who brought Afro-Cuban sacred drumming to the US
Francisco Aguabella
Cuban tres player nicknamed 'El Ciego Maravilloso' who centered Africa in his music
Arsenio Rodríguez
West African ethnic group whose religion is the foundation of Santeria
Yoruba
Orisha of thunder, lightning, and drumming; his colors are red and white
Changó
Disguising orisha worship behind Catholic saints was done to avoid this
Colonial religious persecution
1995 documentary about Francisco Aguabella's life and devotion to Santeria
Sworn to the Drum
Song by Arsenio Rodríguez declaring pride in African heritage; title means 'I was Born from Africa'
Yo nací del Africa
Cuban name for Yoruba-descended people and their traditions
Lucumí
The Catholic saint that Changó was syncretically paired with
Santa Bárbara
the process of blending two religious traditions together
Syncretism
Aguabella was an initiated priest of this religion
Santeria
Arsenio Rodriguez's song referencing the Afro-Cuban community in Florida
Pasó en Tampa
Secret Afro-Cuban fraternal society from the Calabar region of Africa
Abakuá
Orisha of the ocean
Yemayá
Term for a Santeria Priest
Santero
Aguabella's most important instrument
Batá drums
Arsenio Rodriguez's band
Afrocubanos (Los Afrocubanos)
Language still used in Santeria rituals, even by non-daily speakers
Lucumí language
Orisha of rivers and love
Oshún
Masked dance figures in Abakuá ritual ceremonies
íremes (diablitos)
The 'sworn' in the documentary title refers to Aguabella's lifetime commitment as this
A santero/Santeria priest
Instrument Arsenio Rodriguez was famous for playing
Tres