This image shows a dancer in full body masquerade performing the dance of the íreme, an ancestor spirit that plays a crucial role in the rituals of the abakuá brotherhood. There is a man holding out a plantain towards the íreme, who has turned his back. This is a gesture of trying to placate and control the unruly spirit.
Men from Oba Ilú play abakuá music. Amauris (on biapa, front left), Silvio (on cuchiyerema, back), Librado (on bonkó enchemiya, center), Penton (on ekon, back right), Dionisio (eroapa, right out of frame).
Oba Ilú at Sabado de la Rumba, a weekly event that takes place on the patio of the CFNC. Here they are with guests including Fariñas, Juan de Dios (seated), Ariel Monterecy, and Maximino Duquense (seated).