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Black Atlantic: On the Orixas Route
| Length: | 55 min |
| Released: | 2001 |
| Ages: |
High School Adult |
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The waters of the Atlantic brought the slaves from Africa to Brazil, their bodies in chains but their souls inexorably tied to mother Africa. This Brazilian-made film visits both shores to show how spiritual life, dance, and song came with the captive people and took root in the new soil. Among the many traditions were the language and gods of Yoruba and Jejes from the Republic of Benin.
When a group of freed slaves returned to Africa to rediscover their roots, they were looked upon as outsiders. They became tradespeople—tailors, accountants and builders—and they actually brought Portuguese culture to Africa. Today, when Brazilians revisit Africa, they teach the Africans the culture that these descendants of slaves keep alive in Brazil. The documentary is a testimony to the diversity of the diaspora.
When a group of freed slaves returned to Africa to rediscover their roots, they were looked upon as outsiders. They became tradespeople—tailors, accountants and builders—and they actually brought Portuguese culture to Africa. Today, when Brazilians revisit Africa, they teach the Africans the culture that these descendants of slaves keep alive in Brazil. The documentary is a testimony to the diversity of the diaspora.
African Studies Association, 2000
