A Visit to an Orisha Yard

The drumming, singing, and dancing were captivating. As I looked on I was totally engrossed in what I was witnessing and I felt like I was on a tour in another country when I was in fact only a stone’s throw away from Port of Spain!

We were in Laventille to learn more about the Orisha religion for a project on East Port of Spain and the camera crew was dutifully filming three ladies who belong to the faith.  Several shrines of different colours were laid out in a row in one section within an open yard. They went to each shrine and told us about the deity they were built for, what offerings were usually given and a short sample of what songs might be sung in various ceremonies throughout the year. The singing was mesmerizing as their voices and the Yoruba derived lyrics they belted out pulsated a rhythmic vibration through the air.

The ladies explain different aspects of the faith and answer questions

The Yard with some of the shrines to the various Deities

A tour of the Chappelle was next and we were invited to enter to have a closer look inside. Taking off our shoes at the door, we crowded into the small room that had earth flooring and was illuminated by the natural light spilling in from the windows on the side. I was surprised to see familiar images from Catholicism on the altar and on the wall behind. I later learnt that some Orisha practitioners mix Christian and Orisha rituals but with the link to Nigeria being stronger in recent years the faith is returning to its original African roots. While they did not go through an entire service, they demonstrated key practices in their explanation and a few prayers were said which we were invited to be a part of. They sprinkled water in the four corners of the room, said the Hail Mary and explained how several items were used during their ceremonies.

Inside the Chappelle with devotional artifacts and familiar images from Catholicism

Inside the Chappelle

Inside the Chappelle

Shrines with important implements for a ceremony placed around them

Back outside in the yard the drumming began and the ladies began to sing and dance. The rhythm was infectious and it was hard not to clap or at least move your feet. Sometimes during a ceremony, devotees (mostly women), experience a manifestation and this time was no different. One of the ladies began to go into a trance and started swaying more vigorously. They stopped the drumming and went to hold her but she was hard to contain. During her manifestation her head tie came undone and she went to everyone in the production crew and gave an individual message from the spirit that was coming through her body. I was the last to receive a message as I was admittedly a little nervous and went quickly into the empty Chappelle to photograph it while I had the chance. Even though there were quite a few of us present, she didn’t forget that she had not passed on the message to me before the spirit left her body.

Dancing and singing to the beat of the drum

Dancing and singing to the beat of the drum

A wide angle view of the Chappelle

Visiting this Orisha yard was a wonderful experience as we got a first hand look at some of the aspects of the faith. I love to read and find out more about our country’s culture, history and religion but being able to observe and be up close and personal with the subject matter is more enjoyable for me. I’ve always said that our school system should include more class trips to supplement the various topics the students are learning about. Everything is so close, why not go out there and discover it in person!

A big thank you to the ladies for taking the time to teach us about the Orisha faith, answer our questions patiently and for being so hospitable.

L: On our way out, we met a member of the family that they call the Shepherd and one of his Goats

Interacting with the Goat named Clarks!