Obeah: Less Popular And More Scrutinized Supernatural Religion

In introducing the less popular and more scrutinized supernatural religions of the Caribbean, it is important to begin with Obeah. Obeah is the practice of using supernatural forces to one’s own benefit. The word Obeah originates from Africa as ‘Obeye’ meaning an entity that lives within witches and has taken on many different variations and names in the Caribbean including: Haitian Vodou, Cuban Santeria, and Jamaica which remains with the name Obeah. Although Obeah typically has negative connotations as it is believed that many African slaves used it as a source of “evil,” it more importantly granted slaves strength in their fight against their oppressors during the 17th century in the Caribbean. The practice of Obeah was thought to be popular during the 17th and 18th centuries in places in the British Caribbean such as Barbados, Antigua, and Jamaica when they were producing their highest levels of sugar.

Therefore, it comes to no avail that the practice was outlawed in many islands under British rule during the eighteenth century as fear grew of the plantation system being destroyed. This was in part due to the power that the followers felt they gained from the “Obeah-man.” Many Africans held the belief that the Obeah man had supernatural powers that can render its users invincible and even bring back the dead. This stemmed from the belief that the Obeah man could create a powder that they could rub on themselves that would make them invincible to the weapons of the white men. Not only this, but it was commonly believed that the Obeah man had the ability to cure people of their diseases and inflict great harm on anyone of his choosing. This caused for the enslaved to feel incredible power and courage in their rebellions against their leaders, specifically in the British