The Ancient Malongo Ceremony by Ralph Alpizar www.elmundodelosbrujos.com Originally there was an initiation ceremony within the Mayombe and Biyumba branches known as the malongo ceremony. This was the first step for anyone interested in joining a “house” or Munanso. Oftentimes, this was the […]
Ralph Alpizar
Does the nfumbe live in the nganga? by Ralph Alpizar
Translation from Original by Oscar Guerrero 8/22/2013 One day, in one of the many long conversations with Tatica (a nickname that was given to one of the most well known mayomberos from Cuba) I asked him, “does the nfumbe live […]
The “Powers” of the Mayombero and Mayombera by Ralph Alpizar
This article is the third part of, “The Powers of the Tata Nganga and Yaya Nganga” Translation from Original by Oscar Guerrero 8/20/2013 Among the Bakongo of Africa the nganga (priest) has always recognized the existence of “spiritual entities” and […]
Swirl, Tailwind, Tornado and Bad Wind by Ralph Alpizar
This article is the second part of, “The Powers of the Tata Nganga and Yaya Nganga” Translation from Original by Oscar Guerrero 8/19/2013 We previously left off speaking about the “mazamba well.” This famous “magical well” which my informant spoke […]
Palomayombe.com to present a new series of Articles by Ralph Alpizar
I am proud to present a number of articles I am translating to English by Ralph Alpizar. Who is Ralph Alpizar? He is a columnist, writer and researcher that specializes in Ba-Kongo culture and its survivals in Cuba. He has […]
The “Powers” of the Tata Nganga and Yaya-Nganga by Ralph Alpizar
Translation from Original by Oscar Guerrero 7/29/2013 At the request of several commenters on this blog I am publishing this revised and expanded article, originally posted on another website with the title: The Four Powers of the Mayombero. This article refers […]