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African
Religion in the Americas
| Subject: | Culture |
| Curriculum Area : | Social Studies |
Prerequisite Skills:
Before viewing the exhibit, the teacher will explain the African-based form of worship, Candomble, using the chart provided.
1. Define glossary words
2. Map-reading skills
3. Identify the origins of the Yoruba religion.
4. Similarities between the Yoruba religion and African-American Christianity.
5. List the names of the Yoruba Orishas.
African Deities Chart
| ORISHA | FOOD | COLORS |
|
Ellegua God of the Crossroads |
Corn, Candy, Rum |
Red, Black |
|
Obatala Sky God and Goddess |
Pears, Coconut, Black-eyed Peas |
White w/ Silver, Purple |
|
Yemaya Ocean Goddess |
Cornmeal, Molasses, Watermelon |
Blue & White, Crystal Silver |
|
Oya Goddess of Lightning |
Red Wine, Eggplant, Plums, Grapes |
Red, Purple, & Wind Brown, Burnt Orange |
|
Oshun Love Goddess |
Honey, Cinnamon, Oranges, Pumpkins, French Pastry |
Yellow, Green, Coral |
|
Shango Fire Goddess |
Apples, Yams, Corn, Peppers |
Red and White |
|
Ogun God of Iron |
Roots, Nuts, Meats, Berries |
Green and Black |
Activities:
1. Give students ten opportunities to orally identify five of the seven Orishas, their attributes, along with their corresponding colors and foods.
2. Glossary words
(a) altar
(b) attributes
(c) Orisha
(d) Santeria
(e) syncretism 14
3. Map-reading skills
(a) Using a map of the world, students will locate Africa, Benin, Nigeria, and Brazil
(b) Using a blank map of the world, students will write in the locations of Africa, Benin, Nigeria, and Brazil. Using colored markers draw lines to connect Brazil with Nigeria and Benin in Africa.
4. Using an excerpt from the article, "Bahia: Africa in the Americas," the teacher will explain the origins of the Yoruba religion.
5. The students will research African?American religions.
Examples:
Interview parents
Visit church
Visit library
After research is completed, discuss the similarities between two forms of religion: syncretized African?American and traditional Yoruba.
6. Using the chart provided, students will interpret and draw the seven Orishas.
7. The class will visit the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture to view the film Bahia: Africa in the Americas by Sheila Walker, Ph.D.