Bahian Fetishism
Bahian Fetishism is an umbrella term used to describe the pre-Irfanic animistic belief systems of the peoples of Bahia. Despite a lack of central codified texts or a unified clergy, the similarities between the religious practices of the subcontinent allow for a general classification. Bahian fetishism has also been referred to as Bahian Badi in some academic circles, due to Bahia's geographic proximity to Dezevau and the similarities in several religious practices, however this theory has been mostly discredited in favour of a shared origin in west Coian paganism. As suggested by the name, the defining trait of pre-contact Bahian religion is fetishism, a belief that certain objects possess supernatural power. This is primarily power derided from gods or nature itself. A belief in nature spirits and, often, multiple gods, is widespread amongst belief systems classified as Bahian Fetishism.
Fetishism was the original religious system of Bahia and played a core role in the development of the Saretic System which defined Bahian society until the Bahian Consolidation. During the consolidation, Fetishism was supplanted by Irfan in most of northern and western Bahia. It remained the dominant religion in the area under the veRwizi Empire, but with the Toubacterie Fetishism was prosecuted by the Euclean colonisers. Fetishism played a key role in the Sougoulic uprisings in Masamongo, and in the aftermath the faith was all but wiped out. Nowadays, the Fetishist population in Bahia is minimal. Despite this, Fetishist practice has led to significant influences on the practice of Irfan and Sotirianism in Bahia and amongst the diaspora.