Phyllis Galembo:
I try to show as many orixás as possible in my photographs. I want to show the texture of the raffia in Omolu’s costume (first photograph) and the detail in Oxalá’s white clothes (second photograph). I want people to see, understand, appreciate other people. But I don’t want to show too much.

Mãe Stella:
Omolu (first photograph) is the preserver of health and a king, the master of the earth. But Oxalá (second photograph) is the lord of knowledge and wisdom, the king of everything. The power of the orixás is conveyed through initiation and ceremonies like these when direct contact with the orixá begins.