Zoogodô Bogum Malê Rundó

What it is

Zoogodô Bogum Malê Rundó stands as a dedicated space for Afro-Brazilian religious practice within the city of Salvador. It operates under the specific traditions of the Jejé branch of Candomblé. This temple serves as a vital link to the cultural heritage of people with roots in the Kingdom of Dahomey. The site maintains distinct linguistic and ritual practices that separate it from other local temples. It functions as both a historical landmark and an active center for worship and community gathering.

Where it comes from

The temple was established either in 1835 or 1858 on land associated with Joaquim Jêje. He was a figure involved in the Malê revolt of 1835, an uprising of enslaved Africans in Bahia. The location holds the memory of a bogum, a chest used to collect donations for the movement. The name reflects the Gun dialect of Benin, blending terms for place and deity. The site was formally incorporated as a society in 1937 to secure its legal standing.

How it is done

Rituals at Zoogodô Bogum Malê Rundó follow the Jejé tradition. Practitioners use the Ewe language, specifically elements of the Fon dialect, rather than the Yoruba language common in other Salvador temples. Deities are referred to as vodun, aligning closely with Haitian Vodou practices. Ceremonies involve communal participation and are supported by the physical structures within the temple grounds. The community gathers to honor ancestors and maintain spiritual continuity through these specific linguistic markers.

Tools and materials

The temple utilizes the Ewe language as a primary tool for communication with the divine. Specific terms like vodun identify the spirits worshipped there. The physical space includes open areas and religious structures covering part of the one thousand square meter plot. Historically, the bogum chest served as a tool for financial support of the religious movement. The narrow street location also shapes the spatial dynamics of the worship environment.

What it is for

The temple exists to preserve the unique Jejé lineage of Candomblé in the Salvador region. It provides a space for the Bogum community to maintain their cultural identity and religious freedom. Members gather to commune with ancestors and deities through established rites. The site also serves as a destination for visitors during festival periods. It acts as a repository for the history and language of the Dahomey-descended population in Bahia.

Who does it

Leadership has passed through a clear line of Mães de Santo. Early leaders were African-born, including Valentina dos Anjos Costa, who remained fluent in Fon until her death in 1975. Subsequent leaders included Nicinha Evangelista and currently Zaildes Iracema de Mello. These figures guide the community, manage the temple, and ensure the transmission of knowledge. The role requires deep understanding of the Jejé rites and the Fon language.

Peoples and places

The temple is central to the Bogum community, which traces its origins to the Kingdom of Dahomey. It shares a historical lineage with the Roça do Ventura terreiro in Cachoeira. While other Candomblé temples in Salvador use Yoruba, this group maintains the Ewe/Fon linguistic tradition. The community faces challenges common to Afro-Brazilian centers in urban areas, including loss of green spaces needed for rituals. Their practices remain distinct due to this specific ethnic and linguistic heritage.

What people believe

The worldview centers on the reverence of vodun, the deities of the Jejé tradition. This system shares similarities with Haitian Vodou, reflecting shared West African roots. The community believes in the presence of ancestors and the importance of maintaining proper ritual conduct. The use of specific languages is believed to be essential for effective communication with these spiritual forces. The temple itself is seen as a sacred anchor for the community's spiritual life.

When it is done

Public festivals occur annually from January first to mid-April. During this period, the temple welcomes visitors and hosts specific ceremonies.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Anthropologists and historians note the temple's significance as the last remaining Jejé terreiro in the Salvador region. Its preservation of the Fon language makes it a valuable subject of study for researchers interested in Afro-Brazilian linguistics and religion. The connection to the Malê revolt highlights its role in the history of resistance among enslaved Africans. Scholars view it as a key example of how specific ethnic groups maintained their identity in the diaspora.

Compare and confuse

Zoogodô Bogum Malê Rundó differs from most Candomblé temples in Salvador by using Ewe instead of Yoruba. It is more closely related to Haitian Vodou in its terminology and some practices. It shares a lineage with the Roça do Ventura terreiro in Cachoeira, which enjoys national heritage protection. Unlike many other sites, it retains the specific linguistic markers of the Fon people, setting it apart in the broader Candomblé landscape.

Law and persecution

The temple is not currently protected as a heritage site. Attempts to gain state monument status through IPAC started in 2022. In contrast, the related Roça do Ventura terreiro is protected by the national institute IPHAN. The lack of legal protection leaves Zoogodô Bogum Malê Rundó exposed to real estate pressures. The community advocates for recognition to safeguard the site against demolition or encroachment.

Questions people ask about Zoogodô Bogum Malê Rundó

Good reading and sources

• Zoogodô Bogum Malê Rundó on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data