Omi Ero -  Studies to Petrify Leaves #3

Ebó-performance in video, 2019

white enamel basin

From the garden at home - Pèrègún, leaf of santo, tree of female happiness, jasmine, mint, basil and boldo

Petrified Akòko leaves; terracotta pottery, 2017-2018

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For the people of santo the use of leaves carry meanings that overflow our faith.  

Omi Erò is made from macerated leaves mixed with clean water.

The leaves are picked before nightfall, barefoot and in silence.

The sacred liquid is used for  bathe on function day, cleanse the body,  washing containment objects and also drinking.

When I was little, a skinny boy, mainha always bathed me in a plastic basin that was on the jirau at the bottom of the wall. She patted my head, I soothed; he loved the sound that the water cleared with the impact of her hand. This memory even smells – of breast milk; I nursed until I was 4 years old – while I was bathing, I put my head on her lap and suckled.

I took a Tipi bath to cure itching and the evil eye. It was on this wall that I learned to care for and feel the leaves.

In action: Macero leaves with my feet, I walk between and over them, in minute circles.

Naked -, I continue to macerate them, until they turn to dust.

I feel the leaves cutting my feet, the earth stops the blood.

I dress in white, with a ration - I put on my leashes and leash - and leave slowly.

In the space, a diffused light continues to illuminate the waste.

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The Ebó-video-performance was part of the exhibition  Strategy for the contour , 2019, SESC Casa Amarela, Recife – Pe and at Galeria Ana das Carrancas, Petrolina – Pe.