There are three types of spirits living in Gbeko. Zangbeto, his child Kaleta, and Pogi. There are many different Kaleta and Zangbeto's because each neighborhood has their own. It is estimated that Gbeko could have up to 100 of each. There is only one Poji in Gbeko. I have never seen it and can not describe it. Poji walks on stilts and one child described it to me as the spirit, "who's feet never touch the ground."
These spirits are not human. There is a separate phenomenon within voudun culture when humans can enter a trance and speak with the voice of a spirit (ancestor). Yet this is totally separate from the three spirits mentioned here: They are not and never were human. The spirits cover their forms from humans by wearing masks and colorful clothing. Only the followers of each spirit can see their actual forms. They are also the only ones who can touch them. Individuals become initiates of a spirit by following the steps determined by tradition and the guardian of the spirits.
Each spirit has a guardian who facilitates all contact between the spirit and the human world. The guardian is the only person who can summon the spirit. This generally includes prayer and gifts to the shrine of the spirit (Zangbeto is represented by a sculpture and Kaleta a termite mound). The guardian must also purify himself before approaching these shrines. One aspect of purification is to have no contact with women (unless they are virgins). Offerings to the spirits most always include distilled palm wine (sodabi) and red palm oil. These are poured on the shrines. Sodabi is also consumed by the guardian as part of the purification process. Sacrifices of chickens or other animals may also be made, depending on the reasons for summoning the spirit. They are usually killed on the shrine and consumed by the guardian of the spirit and also sometimes the person(s) who made the offering.
I should mention that women are forbidden to have any contact with the spirits. It is entirely the domain of men. Women are forbidden from knowing the secrets of initiation or membership. Women can only see the spirits during the daylight hours. There are many beliefs about consequences for not respecting the "rules" of the spirits. The main idea is that the spirit will take the offending person back to the spirit world with them. This threat is great enough that non-initiates, children, and women all fear the spirits and avoid any contact with them.
These spirits are not human. There is a separate phenomenon within voudun culture when humans can enter a trance and speak with the voice of a spirit (ancestor). Yet this is totally separate from the three spirits mentioned here: They are not and never were human. The spirits cover their forms from humans by wearing masks and colorful clothing. Only the followers of each spirit can see their actual forms. They are also the only ones who can touch them. Individuals become initiates of a spirit by following the steps determined by tradition and the guardian of the spirits.
Each spirit has a guardian who facilitates all contact between the spirit and the human world. The guardian is the only person who can summon the spirit. This generally includes prayer and gifts to the shrine of the spirit (Zangbeto is represented by a sculpture and Kaleta a termite mound). The guardian must also purify himself before approaching these shrines. One aspect of purification is to have no contact with women (unless they are virgins). Offerings to the spirits most always include distilled palm wine (sodabi) and red palm oil. These are poured on the shrines. Sodabi is also consumed by the guardian as part of the purification process. Sacrifices of chickens or other animals may also be made, depending on the reasons for summoning the spirit. They are usually killed on the shrine and consumed by the guardian of the spirit and also sometimes the person(s) who made the offering.
I should mention that women are forbidden to have any contact with the spirits. It is entirely the domain of men. Women are forbidden from knowing the secrets of initiation or membership. Women can only see the spirits during the daylight hours. There are many beliefs about consequences for not respecting the "rules" of the spirits. The main idea is that the spirit will take the offending person back to the spirit world with them. This threat is great enough that non-initiates, children, and women all fear the spirits and avoid any contact with them.
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