Etymology
According to linguist M. Okaba, "Bwiti" derives from the Tsogho bo-hete, meaning emancipation or liberation of fluid. The Bwiti philosophy is described as a philosophy of liberation allowing the individual to transcend material constraints and become banzi, "the one who has emerged from their shell".
Three great traditions
- Bwiti Fang: tradition practiced by the Fang people. This is the tradition Tatayo was first initiated into in 1979.
- Bwiti Missoko: initiation tradition transmitted to Tatayo in 1994. More precisely today: Bwiti Missoko Ngonde na Dipouma.
- Bwiti Mitsogo / Disumba: the oldest tradition, of the Mitsogo people from the Ogooue basin.
An official religion
Bwiti is one of the three official religions of Gabon. It is a synthesis (syncretism) of animism, ancestor worship and, in some variants, Christianity.
The ceremony
At the heart of the ceremony:
- The nganga (spiritual leader, man or woman) leads the rite.
- The maboundi assists.
- The sacred Ngombi harp, drums, bark torches.
- Ceremonial colors: red, black, white. Raffia, shells, animal skins.
- Iboga, plant of knowledge.
