The Messenger of Mboko

I was inspired by Jose "Cheo" Pedroso, whom I met through fb. He organizes Afro-Cuban cultural events in Europe. I am representing in this work Cheo as the one in charge of keeping alive the flame of our Afro-Cuban roots.

Abakuá, also sometimes known as Ñañiguismo, is an Afro-Cuban men's initiatory fraternity or secret society, which originated from fraternal associations in the Cross River region of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon. Abakuá has been described as "an Afro-Cuban version of Freemasonry".

The costumes are representative of the Ireme. Ireme is the Cuban term for the masked Abakuá dancer known as Idem or Ndem in the Cross River region. The masquerade dancer is carefully covered in a tight-fitting suit and hood, and dances with a broom and a staff. The broom serves to cleanse faithful members, while the staff chastises enemies and Abakuá traitors. During initiation ceremonies, the staff is called the Erí nBan nDó, while during mournings and wakes it is called AlanManguín Besuá.Abakua Secret Society.