Abasoremwezi: Difference between revisions
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[[File:SierraLeoneHofstra7.10.jpg|200px|thumb|An Akaboko masquerader, representing one of the deities worshipped by the Abasoremwezi.]] | [[File:SierraLeoneHofstra7.10.jpg|200px|thumb|An Akaboko masquerader, representing one of the deities worshipped by the Abasoremwezi.]] | ||
'''Abasoremwezi''', known in {{wp|French language|Gaullican}} as "la Société céleste" and in {{wp|english language|Estmerish}} as the "Moon Society", is an all-male {{wp|secret society}} concentrated among the {{wp|Banyarwanda|Barobyi}} people of [[ | '''Abasoremwezi''', known in {{wp|French language|Gaullican}} as "la Société céleste" and in {{wp|english language|Estmerish}} as the "Moon Society", is an all-male {{wp|secret society}} concentrated among the {{wp|Banyarwanda|Barobyi}} people of [[Uruzikara]] in [[Mabifia]]. Originating within [[Bahian fetishism|fetishist]] beliefs, the society survived the colonial period due to its secrecy which helped it avoid repression. While now officially ceremonial, the Abasoremwezi hold considerable influence in some rural areas where their supernatural abilities are feared. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
Little is known about the early history of the Abasoremwezi, due to the secrecy of the group, but it is known that the group possess a rich {{wp|oral history}} which is progressivly revealed to initiates as they are accepted deeper into the society. The only source is the testimony of a member of the group who, upon conversion to [[Solarian Catholic Church|Catholicism]] in 1873, left the group and described it to [[Gaullica|Gaullican]] {{wp|missionary|missionaries}}. According to him, the group emerged in the 17th century | Little is known about the early history of the Abasoremwezi, due to the secrecy of the group, but it is known that the group possess a rich {{wp|oral history}} which is progressivly revealed to initiates as they are accepted deeper into the society. The only source is the testimony of a member of the group who, upon conversion to [[Solarian Catholic Church|Catholicism]] in 1873, left the group and described it to [[Gaullica|Gaullican]] {{wp|missionary|missionaries}}. According to him, the group emerged in the 17th century during the [[Zombibudi Wars]], as with many other influential sodalities in Bahia today. | ||
During [[Toubacterie]], the society faced repression due to their fetishist practices and perceived "uncivilisedness", a charge which was fed by rumours of {{wp|cannibalism}} and practice of {{wp|black magic}}. This led the group to hide their rituals even further. Many members of the Abasoremwezi joined in the [[Sougoulie]], with several members playing a key role in the armies of the [[Sougoulie#Masamongo|Kingdom of Zandou]]. | During [[Toubacterie]], the society faced repression due to their fetishist practices and perceived "uncivilisedness", a charge which was fed by rumours of {{wp|cannibalism}} and practice of {{wp|black magic}}. This led the group to hide their rituals even further. Many members of the Abasoremwezi joined in the [[Sougoulie]], with several members playing a key role in the armies of the [[Sougoulie#Masamongo|Kingdom of Zandou]]. | ||
The [[Mabifian Democratic Republic]] was initially open towards traditional societies under [[Léopold Giengs]], allowing significant {{wp|ethnographic study}} to take place on the group, his successor [[ | The [[Mabifian Democratic Republic]] was initially open towards traditional societies under [[Léopold Giengs]], allowing significant {{wp|ethnographic study}} to take place on the group, his successor [[Pierre-Julien Onziema]] took a hardline approach to the group and ordered their repression. Onziema's efforts to suppress such traditional societies made them key parts of the resistance to his rule, unintentionally adding to their prestige. The Abasoremwezi faced some targetting by [[Irfan|Irfanic]] groups during the [[Second Mabifian Civil War]]. | ||
In the modern period, the influence of the Abasoremwezi has waned due to the increased urbanisation of the Mabifian population and a corresponding decline in traditional belief systems in favour of more orthodox [[Irfan]] and [[Solarian Catholic Church|Catholicism]]. They remain influential in the rural areas of [[Nord-Uruzikara|north]] and [[Sud-Uruzikara|south Uruzikara]], where their influence is often greater than that of the central government. | In the modern period, the influence of the Abasoremwezi has waned due to the increased urbanisation of the Mabifian population and a corresponding decline in traditional belief systems in favour of more orthodox [[Irfan]] and [[Solarian Catholic Church|Catholicism]]. They remain influential in the rural areas of [[Nord-Uruzikara|north]] and [[Sud-Uruzikara|south Uruzikara]], where their influence is often greater than that of the central government. | ||
==Practices== | ==Practices== | ||
[[File:SierraLeoneHofstra7.9.tiff|200px|thumb|Abasoremwezi members in masks for a full moon ritual.]] | [[File:SierraLeoneHofstra7.9.tiff|200px|thumb|Abasoremwezi members in masks for a full moon ritual.]] | ||
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Members follow a strict code of living. They are not allowed contact with women outside of their family save for in commercial settings, and must observe a wealth of {{wp|taboo|taboos}} on certain activities, clothing and food. Every {{wp|full moon}}, the society will meet up locally and perform traditional dances and rituals. A key part of these rituals is the wearing of elaborate costumes and {{wp|masks}}, which are believed to allow spirits to take possession of the wearer. Such rituals can be attended by non-members, but only initiates are allowed to wear the masks or touch the participants. | Members follow a strict code of living. They are not allowed contact with women outside of their family save for in commercial settings, and must observe a wealth of {{wp|taboo|taboos}} on certain activities, clothing and food. Every {{wp|full moon}}, the society will meet up locally and perform traditional dances and rituals. A key part of these rituals is the wearing of elaborate costumes and {{wp|masks}}, which are believed to allow spirits to take possession of the wearer. Such rituals can be attended by non-members, but only initiates are allowed to wear the masks or touch the participants. | ||
===Ukwahukana=== | ===Ukwahukana=== | ||
One of the most significant ceremonies of the society is the ''Ukwahukana'' ceremony, which occurs during the lunar eclipse. The dimming of the moon is believed to be because ''[[Icyezezi Ukwezi Kwazoye]]'' has descended upon the earth and taken up the body of a mortal woman. During this ceremony, which involves large gatherings, shared meals and masked dances, a highly controversial practice called ''Ukunyaga b'umwari'' takes place. ''Ukunyaga b'umwari'', which literally translates to "forced taking of a virgin" involves the kidnapping of an unmarried woman who was born during the full moon, who is believed to be the vessel of ''Icyezezi Ukwezi Kwazoye''. The girl is then given to the local head of the society, and the two of them have sexual intercourse. This practice is strongly condemned by both the Mabifian government, the international community, and {{wp|women's rights groups}}, and is illegal, but reportedly still takes place in some rural areas. | One of the most significant ceremonies of the society is the ''Ukwahukana'' ceremony, which occurs during the lunar eclipse. The dimming of the moon is believed to be because ''[[Icyezezi Ukwezi Kwazoye]]'' has descended upon the earth and taken up the body of a mortal woman. During this ceremony, which involves large gatherings, shared meals and masked dances, a highly controversial practice called ''Ukunyaga b'umwari'' takes place. ''Ukunyaga b'umwari'', which literally translates to "forced taking of a virgin" involves the kidnapping of an unmarried woman who was born during the full moon, who is believed to be the vessel of ''Icyezezi Ukwezi Kwazoye''. The girl is then given to the local head of the society, and the two of them have sexual intercourse. This practice is strongly condemned by both the Mabifian government, the international community, and {{wp|women's rights groups}}, and is illegal, but reportedly still takes place in some rural areas. | ||
===Sorcery=== | ===Sorcery=== | ||
The Abasoremwezi believe in the existence of {{wp|black magic}}, and conduct rituals in which animals are sacrificed in order for their life force to be manipulated by those trained in the art. As sorcery is criminalised in Mabifia, this practice is hidden and does not take place at the more open ceremonies. A common form of sorcery used is that of {{wp|fortune telling}}, and Abasoremwezi fortune tellers are renowned in Mabifia. According to folklore, the Abasoremwezi were taught sorcery by [[Akaboko]], a mysterious being with one arm who appears in several forms across Ouloumic [[Bahian fetishism|fetishism]]. | The Abasoremwezi believe in the existence of {{wp|black magic}}, and conduct rituals in which animals are sacrificed in order for their life force to be manipulated by those trained in the art. As sorcery is criminalised in Mabifia, this practice is hidden and does not take place at the more open ceremonies. A common form of sorcery used is that of {{wp|fortune telling}}, and Abasoremwezi fortune tellers are renowned in Mabifia. According to folklore, the Abasoremwezi were taught sorcery by [[Akaboko]], a mysterious being with one arm who appears in several forms across Ouloumic [[Bahian fetishism|fetishism]]. | ||
==Structure== | ==Structure== | ||
[[File:Igbo ancestral shrine Onica Olona.jpg|150px|thumb|The interior of an ''Indaro''.]] | [[File:Igbo ancestral shrine Onica Olona.jpg|150px|thumb|The interior of an ''Indaro''.]] | ||
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The society meet in buildings known as ''Indaro'', which are usually located outside of urban areas, in order to conduct their secretive rituals. Entry into an ''Indaro'' is limited to initiated members of the society, while some are limited to members who are of a high enough tier. Visitors are only allowed within the meeting room at the entrance, which is where they will come when requesting magical blessings or fortune telling. If their request is granted, the visitor will be blindfolded and taken to the room where their ritual takes place. | The society meet in buildings known as ''Indaro'', which are usually located outside of urban areas, in order to conduct their secretive rituals. Entry into an ''Indaro'' is limited to initiated members of the society, while some are limited to members who are of a high enough tier. Visitors are only allowed within the meeting room at the entrance, which is where they will come when requesting magical blessings or fortune telling. If their request is granted, the visitor will be blindfolded and taken to the room where their ritual takes place. | ||
==Role== | ==Role== | ||
Like many other secret societies, the main purpose of the Abasoremwezi is to raise boys within an environment which teaches them moral and spiritual values. In this regard, it has received comparisons with the {{wp|Boyscouts}} of several [[Euclea|Euclean]] nations and other youth groups which focus on teaching life skills and values such as faith and comradery. | Like many other secret societies, the main purpose of the Abasoremwezi is to raise boys within an environment which teaches them moral and spiritual values. In this regard, it has received comparisons with the {{wp|Boyscouts}} of several [[Euclea|Euclean]] nations and other youth groups which focus on teaching life skills and values such as faith and comradery. | ||
The Abasoremwezi have been labelled as a {{wp|vigilante}} group in some areas, as members of the group are accused of enforcing their own laws in several remote rural areas. Killings of [[Irfan|Irfanic]] and [[Sotirianity|Sotirian]] missionaries have been attributed to the society, though the secrecy of the group means that such accusations are hard to prove. | The Abasoremwezi have been labelled as a {{wp|vigilante}} group in some areas, as members of the group are accused of enforcing their own laws in several remote rural areas. Killings of [[Irfan|Irfanic]] and [[Sotirianity|Sotirian]] missionaries have been attributed to the society, though the secrecy of the group means that such accusations are hard to prove. | ||
[[category:Bahian fetishism]] [[category:Mabifia]] | [[category:Bahian fetishism]] [[category:Mabifia]] | ||
Latest revision as of 05:18, 4 July 2023
Abasoremwezi, known in Gaullican as "la Société céleste" and in Estmerish as the "Moon Society", is an all-male secret society concentrated among the Barobyi people of Uruzikara in Mabifia. Originating within fetishist beliefs, the society survived the colonial period due to its secrecy which helped it avoid repression. While now officially ceremonial, the Abasoremwezi hold considerable influence in some rural areas where their supernatural abilities are feared.
History
Little is known about the early history of the Abasoremwezi, due to the secrecy of the group, but it is known that the group possess a rich oral history which is progressivly revealed to initiates as they are accepted deeper into the society. The only source is the testimony of a member of the group who, upon conversion to Catholicism in 1873, left the group and described it to Gaullican missionaries. According to him, the group emerged in the 17th century during the Zombibudi Wars, as with many other influential sodalities in Bahia today.
During Toubacterie, the society faced repression due to their fetishist practices and perceived "uncivilisedness", a charge which was fed by rumours of cannibalism and practice of black magic. This led the group to hide their rituals even further. Many members of the Abasoremwezi joined in the Sougoulie, with several members playing a key role in the armies of the Kingdom of Zandou.
The Mabifian Democratic Republic was initially open towards traditional societies under Léopold Giengs, allowing significant ethnographic study to take place on the group, his successor Pierre-Julien Onziema took a hardline approach to the group and ordered their repression. Onziema's efforts to suppress such traditional societies made them key parts of the resistance to his rule, unintentionally adding to their prestige. The Abasoremwezi faced some targetting by Irfanic groups during the Second Mabifian Civil War.
In the modern period, the influence of the Abasoremwezi has waned due to the increased urbanisation of the Mabifian population and a corresponding decline in traditional belief systems in favour of more orthodox Irfan and Catholicism. They remain influential in the rural areas of north and south Uruzikara, where their influence is often greater than that of the central government.
Practices
The Abasoremwezi are devoted to the worship of a female spirit called Icyezezi Ukwezi Kwazoye, the spirit of the full moon who is said to descend at night and nourish crops. Its members claim to marry this spirit, providing her with the youthful vigour and love which she needs in order to keep coming down to earth and maintain the harvests. Members of the society are initiated at puberty, and remain within the society until marriage when they are symbolically divorced and must give up any sacred items of the society.
Members follow a strict code of living. They are not allowed contact with women outside of their family save for in commercial settings, and must observe a wealth of taboos on certain activities, clothing and food. Every full moon, the society will meet up locally and perform traditional dances and rituals. A key part of these rituals is the wearing of elaborate costumes and masks, which are believed to allow spirits to take possession of the wearer. Such rituals can be attended by non-members, but only initiates are allowed to wear the masks or touch the participants.
Ukwahukana
One of the most significant ceremonies of the society is the Ukwahukana ceremony, which occurs during the lunar eclipse. The dimming of the moon is believed to be because Icyezezi Ukwezi Kwazoye has descended upon the earth and taken up the body of a mortal woman. During this ceremony, which involves large gatherings, shared meals and masked dances, a highly controversial practice called Ukunyaga b'umwari takes place. Ukunyaga b'umwari, which literally translates to "forced taking of a virgin" involves the kidnapping of an unmarried woman who was born during the full moon, who is believed to be the vessel of Icyezezi Ukwezi Kwazoye. The girl is then given to the local head of the society, and the two of them have sexual intercourse. This practice is strongly condemned by both the Mabifian government, the international community, and women's rights groups, and is illegal, but reportedly still takes place in some rural areas.
Sorcery
The Abasoremwezi believe in the existence of black magic, and conduct rituals in which animals are sacrificed in order for their life force to be manipulated by those trained in the art. As sorcery is criminalised in Mabifia, this practice is hidden and does not take place at the more open ceremonies. A common form of sorcery used is that of fortune telling, and Abasoremwezi fortune tellers are renowned in Mabifia. According to folklore, the Abasoremwezi were taught sorcery by Akaboko, a mysterious being with one arm who appears in several forms across Ouloumic fetishism.
Structure
The society is divided at the village level, with each village or town where the society is present having its own head. The society is organised by tiers, with the first tier being new initiates, and with each following tier having access to more and more esoteric knowledge. It is not known how many of such tiers exist, but it is known that initiations into the next tier are accompanied by rituals and even stricter taboos.
The society meet in buildings known as Indaro, which are usually located outside of urban areas, in order to conduct their secretive rituals. Entry into an Indaro is limited to initiated members of the society, while some are limited to members who are of a high enough tier. Visitors are only allowed within the meeting room at the entrance, which is where they will come when requesting magical blessings or fortune telling. If their request is granted, the visitor will be blindfolded and taken to the room where their ritual takes place.
Role
Like many other secret societies, the main purpose of the Abasoremwezi is to raise boys within an environment which teaches them moral and spiritual values. In this regard, it has received comparisons with the Boyscouts of several Euclean nations and other youth groups which focus on teaching life skills and values such as faith and comradery.
The Abasoremwezi have been labelled as a vigilante group in some areas, as members of the group are accused of enforcing their own laws in several remote rural areas. Killings of Irfanic and Sotirian missionaries have been attributed to the society, though the secrecy of the group means that such accusations are hard to prove.