Obeah Man

 

"Obeah Man" - Bahamas AI Art

 ⒸA. Derek Catalano

Exuma, The Obeah Man: A Biography of Bahamian Musician Tony McKay

 

"Tony McKay, Exuma, The Obeah Man"

Bahamian Singer/Musician

 

 

Exuma, The Obeah Man: A Biography of Bahamian Musician Tony McKay

 

Introduction

Tony McKay, better known by his stage name Exuma, was a visionary Bahamian musician and performer whose eclectic blend of folk, calypso, African rhythms, and spiritual themes catapulted him into the realms of cult legend. Best known for his fusion of Bahamian music with New Orleans blues and his deeply mystical and spiritual performances, McKay adopted the persona of Exuma, The Obeah Man, drawing from Caribbean folklore, the African-derived religion of Obeah, and his own rich cultural heritage. Throughout his career, Exuma remained a deeply enigmatic figure who defied categorization, both musically and personally.

This biography traces his life from his Bahamian roots through his rise in the Greenwich Village folk scene, his creation of a unique musical genre, and his enduring legacy in Caribbean culture and beyond.

Potion

 

"Potion" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

"Potion" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 "Bush Tea" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

Bush Medicine in The Bahamas

 

Introduction

Bush medicine, also known as herbal medicine or traditional medicine, has been an integral part of life in The Bahamas for centuries. It involves the use of indigenous plants and herbs to treat various ailments, a practice rooted in the deep cultural and historical heritage of the Caribbean. The Bahamas, with its rich biodiversity, is home to a vast array of plants that have been used for medicinal purposes long before the advent of modern medicine. This report provides an in-depth exploration of bush medicine in The Bahamas, examining its cultural significance, historical origins, and some of the various plants used in this traditional healing practice. Additionally, it will compare bush medicine to modern medical practices, investigate the claims of its efficacy in treating serious illnesses like cancer, and underscore the importance of preserving this knowledge for future generations.

The Sinister Shores

"Seaside Obeah House" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

The Sinister Shores

Pastor Gideon stood by the window of his modest home, the evening sea breeze gently rustling the curtains. The distant murmur of the waves crashing against the rocky shore was a constant in his life, as was the sight of the setting sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of red and orange. It was a sight that brought peace to many, but tonight, it brought none to him. His thoughts were far too dark, tainted by the gravity of his actions, the weight of his guilt, and the dread of what was to come.

The island community held Pastor Gideon in high esteem. He was a man of God, a beacon of hope in their small world, where life was often harsh, and the future uncertain. The island was remote, a speck of land in the vast Caribbean Sea, where news from the outside world was scarce and slow to arrive. Here, the pastor’s word was as good as law, and his guidance was sought by many. But beneath the veneer of piety and righteousness, Pastor Gideon harbored a secret that gnawed at his soul.

Obeah Moon Dance

 

"Obeah Moon Dance" - Bahamas AI art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

"Obeah Moon Dance" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

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Obeah in The Bahamas

"Obeah Altar" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

Obeah

Obeah is a system of spiritual and healing practices rooted in African traditions, which emerged among enslaved populations in the Caribbean. It involves the use of rituals, charms, and supernatural elements for protection, healing, and sometimes harm.

Origins and Historical Context

Obeah originated from the African spiritual traditions brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. These traditions were diverse, as the enslaved people came from various ethnic groups across West and Central Africa, each with its own spiritual practices. Upon arriving in the Caribbean, these practices syncretized with each other and, in some cases, with elements of European and Indigenous beliefs, giving rise to unique forms of spiritual expression, including Obeah.

Obeah became particularly prominent in Jamaica, Trinidad, and the Bahamas. It was both a form of resistance against the oppressive conditions of slavery and a means of maintaining cultural identity. Enslaved people used Obeah to empower themselves, seeking protection, healing, and sometimes retribution against oppressors.

Junkanoo Obeah Man

 

"Junkanoo Obeah Man" - Bahamas AI art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

Obeah Man

 

"Obeah Man" - Self Portrait. Real goat skull.

©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Sister Zuri

 

"Sister Zuri" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

Obeah Man

 

"Obeah Man" ⒸA. Derek Catalano

Working with Adobe PS. Self portrait.

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Obeah Bones Necklace

 

"Obeah Bones Necklace" ©A. Derek Catalano

I made this on the weekend. A birthday present to myself. :)

Let turkey wing bones dry out for 4 months.
Cut into 1 inch sections with fine toothed hacksaw blade.
Sand only the edges of the bones with fine grit sandpaper.
Seal with a coat of clear nail polish.

Assembled with nylon fishing line, black glass beads and green wooden beads.

Related article: Obeah in The Bahamas

Related story: The Sinister Shores