Afoxê

The term afoxé refers to a Carnival group originating from Salvador da Bahia, Brazil in the 1920s, and the music it plays deriving from the Afro-Brazilian Candomblé religion.

[2] Cultural performances of the afoxés, typically at Brazilian Carnival, incorporate choreography, song, ritual language and ceremonies deriving from the Candomblé religion.

[3][4] In Brazil, afoxé is generally performed by blocos, afros-groups of mostly black or mulatto musicians who are familiar with African Brazilian music.

[5] The annual Carnival that takes place in several cities of Brazil is considered the country's largest public festival.

[1][9][10] The Brazilian cities of Recife and Salvador saw black Carnival groups powerfully and actively parading 'African' themes, which announced the development of African consciousness within the new Republic.

[1][9] Public events allowed blacks to determine an active and visible role in establishing cultural values that would define modern Brazilian society.

[1] In the early 1900s, dominant sectors of society, formed exclusively by white individuals of European descent: members of traditional families, wealthy merchants, high-level government employees and politicians, called for a state intervention in order to prohibit African related practices in Brazil.

[1] The Afro-bahian practice of Candomblé was recognised as violent and individuals following the religion were subjected to legal prohibitions and police action.

[1] Whilst respecting and honouring the African and African-Bahian religious Carnival heritage, the careful selection of certain instruments greatly affects and impacts the percussive culture as well as an individual's relationship with the spiritual realm.

Traditionally, in the Afro- Brazilian religious setting of Candomblé, these drums come in three sizes; Rum (large), Rumpi (medium), and Lê (small).

[1] In the afoxé, the lead drummer will use the largest size drum (Rum) and will improvise variations of set patterns, which are coordinated with dance movements.

[1] Typically, these songs with the Ijexá rhythm performed by the afoxé, are served to honour and praise the African gods known as Orixás of the Canbomblé religion.

[2] The costumes of the Filhos de Gandhi men, creates one of the most striking visual images of today's Bahian Carnival.

[18][19] During Carnival, Filhos de Gandhi spread awareness of the Orixás by displaying religious iconography on painted banners, floats and through songs, costumes and music.

Prior to the commencement of Carnival, several Filhos De Gandhi members have this large piece of white cotton towel converted to a custom-made head turban.

[2][19] Alfazema is included into the Filhos De Gandhi costume due to the widespread belief that lavender contains strong healing properties.