Mollusks of Candomblé: symbolic and ritualistic importance

Abstract

Human societies utilize mollusks for myriad material and spiritual ends. An example of their use in a religious context is found in Brazil's African-derived belief systems. Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion introduced during the 18th-19th centuries by enslaved Yoruba, includes various magical and liturgical uses of mollusks. This work inventoried the species utilized by adherents and to analyzed their symbolic and magical context. Data were obtained from Candomblé temples in two cities in the northeast of Brazil-Caruaru, in the state of Pernambuco, and Campina Grande, in the state of Paraíba. Questionnaires administered to eleven adepts revealed that at least nineteen mollusk species are being used. Shells from Monetaria moneta, M. annulus and Erosaria caputserpentis were cited by all of the interviewees. Three uses stood out: divination (jogo de búzios); utilization as ritual objects; and employment as sacrificial offerings (Igbin or Boi-de-Oxalá). The jogo de búzios (shell toss), employed in West Africa, Brazil and Cuba, is of fundamental importance to the cult, representing the means by which the faithful enter in contact with the divinities (Orixás) and consult people's futures (Odu). The utilization of mollusks in Candomblé is strongly influenced by ancient Yoruba myths (Itãs) which, having survived enslavement and generations of captive labor, continue to guide the lives of Brazil's African Diaspora.

Therapeutic and prophylactic uses of invertebrates in contemporary Spanish ethnoveterinary medicine

“…Plants considered to be universal panaceas are used such as rosemary, which appears in classic works such as Cervantes’ Don Quixote [ 81 ] and in pharmacopoeias such as the Hispana from 1794 ( Spiritus Rosmarini or Aqua Reginae Hungariae ), together with other plants with an apotropaic effect used to treat psychological problems, such as rue or rose petals [ 82 , 83 ], all combined with the innards of a black mollusc. Disease is black and dirty, as opposed to the whiteness of health, and this is why antidotes tended to be dark in colour [ 84 ].…”

Fermenting Bread Dough as a Cheap, Effective, Nontoxic, and Generic Attractant for Pest Snails and Slugs

“…There is an ongoing, costly eradication program in Miami, Florida [ 19 ], attempting to stamp out a population that became established around 2011, and it is very probable that L. fulica will continue to invade new regions of the world as global trade and tourism increase. The problem is exacerbated by the intentional introduction and rearing of L. fulica for consumption, as pets [ 38 ], and for use in religious rituals [ 39 ]. Based on our data, fermenting bread dough should be considered as a valuable new tool to help detect and eradicate future and current incipient invasive populations of this species.…”

Shape, Microstructure, and Chemical Composition of Pearls from the Freshwater Clam Diplodon chilensis Native to South America

“…Traditionally, many species of mollusks have been useful for human societies in religious ceremonies, folk medicine, building tools, the production of buttons, fertilizers, cattle feed, decoration, and ornamental purposes [8][9][10][11][12][13]. Moreover, shellfishing and cultured pearl production have been and continue to be important sources of income for the inhabitants of different countries, and in many parts of the world, some species have been included in commercial aquaculture [14,15].…”