Tradition
honoring bwiti with integrity
In recent years, the growing popularity of Iboga in plant medicine circles has drawn attention to Bwiti in the West. Unfortunately, this has also led to the rise of individuals and organizations who claim expertise in Bwiti or present themselves as intermediaries between Gabonese villages and the Western world. Often disconnected from the tradition’s essence, these individuals commodify sacred practices for personal gain, perpetuating a neocolonialist approach that undermines the integrity of Bwiti.
At Root & Wisdom, we stand firmly against such exploitation. As initiates with direct ancestral ties to Central and West Africa, we honor the Bwiti with reverence, not as outsiders, but as individuals deeply connected to its origins through our genetics, way of living, and continued relationships with Indigenous communities.
Our commitment to preserving the essence of Bwiti goes beyond words. Through the Sacred Roots Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we have raised over $200,000 to support Indigenous communities in Gabon directly. Our projects include:
Smile Gabon: Providing essential dental care for children.
Mabanji Village Restoration: Rebuilding a women-only village to support rites of passage, clean drinking water, and safe housing.
Beekeeping Mission: Training communities in sustainable beekeeping practices to create viable livelihoods.
We encourage anyone curious about Bwiti to seek direct experience. Words and images can only provide glimpses; the true essence of Bwiti unfolds in the villages where it thrives. If you are interested, contact us. We can connect you with trustworthy individuals who will guide you safely to authentic communities, fostering respectful and meaningful cultural exchanges.
A Living Ceremony
Bwiti is not something to be claimed, owned, or commodified. It is a way of being—an unfolding ceremony of life itself. At Root & Wisdom, we strive to embody its teachings, bridging the gap between Indigenous wisdom and modern understanding while upholding the values of reciprocity, authenticity, and service. Together, let us honor the spirit of Bwiti, preserve its integrity, and support the communities that keep this sacred tradition alive.
Bwiti: A living tradition rooted in direct experience
We view Bwiti as a school of sorts—one that is focused on the study of life itself—and invite our guests to explore this perspective at their own pace, becoming students of their own lives with the help of Iboga. We share insights and teachings only when requested, ensuring we never impose beliefs or practices. Our aim is to create a space where each individual can discover their own truths without dogma or pressure. For those curious or interested in learning more about the Bwiti in particular, please find some of the insights and teachings we have come across over the years below through study and direct teachings from elders.
The roots of bwiti
Bwiti is a profound spiritual tradition deeply rooted in the ancient forests of Central Africa, practiced by ethnic groups such as the Mitsogho, Tsogo, and Fang. It transcends the confines of religion or cult, offering instead a holistic framework for understanding life, death, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Its origins trace back over 4,000 years to the Babongo people (often referred to as Pygmies), whose sacred relationship with the Iboga plant laid the foundation for this transformative spiritual path. While Bwiti existed long before the incorporation of Iboga, the integration of this sacred plant elevated Bwiti into the profound spiritual discipline it is recognized as today.
To truly embody Bwiti is not about painted faces, completed initiations, or titles and ranks. It is not defined by external markers but by the way you live your life. To be Bwiti means to recognize the one life that connects all beings, to give freely without conditions, to act without attachment, and to remain forever a student, never a master. Simply put, Bwiti is about living with integrity, generosity, and a profound connection to the natural world.
To envision Bwiti, think of it as a living tree:
Roots: Grounded in traditions like Disumba, which provide foundational teachings and wisdom.
Trunk: Represented by the Misoko tradition, offering stability and unity through discipline.
Branches: Embodied by traditions such as Myobe and Mabundi, which diversify and enrich Bwiti’s interconnected practices.
This dynamic, evolving system ensures Bwiti remains a vibrant source of guidance and inspiration that relies on all its individual parts
Cosmology and Practices of bwiti
Bwiti is a multifaceted tradition that functions like a priesthood, a spiritual path, and a scientific discipline. It emphasizes spiritual purity and reverence for a transcendent deity. Practitioners strive for purity across physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, prioritizing enlightenment and exploring life’s great mysteries over material concerns. Through its intricate rituals, initiatory rites, and the sacred use of Iboga, Bwiti bridges the physical and spiritual realms, offering practitioners wisdom, healing, and a deeper understanding of existence.
Core elements of bwiti
Initiation: A transformative experience involving Iboga consumption in sacred ceremonies to foster self-awareness, strengthen ancestral connections, and reveal spiritual truths.
Music, dance, and rituals: Rich ceremonies featuring traditional instruments like the Ngombi (harp) and Mungongo (mouth bow), fostering a connection to both spiritual and physical realms as the village and community dance until there is one collective heartbeat.
Healing practices: Led by Ngangas (clairvoyant healers), rituals use Iboga and other plants to address physical and spiritual ailments.
Community and kinship: Thriving on communal bonds, Bwiti honors both matrilineal and patrilineal descent through initiation societies.
Deities and spiritual figures: Integral figures like Nzambe Kana, the creator god, and Disumba, the symbolic first ancestor, serve as guides for moral, spiritual, and ceremonial practices.
Deities and spiritual figures
Bwiti’s cosmology is rich with deities and spiritual figures, each playing an essential role in its teachings, rituals, and understanding of the universe:
Nzambe Kana: Often considered the creator god and grand architect of existence, Nzambe Kana embodies the universe’s divine order. He is central to rituals and myths that explore the origins of humanity and the cosmos, serving as a guiding force in the spiritual practices of the Tsogho people.
Disumba: Recognized as the symbolic first ancestor, Disumba is deeply revered. Represented in the sacred eight-string ngombi harp, which symbolizes male and female energies, Disumba plays a vital role in initiation ceremonies and serves as a medium for connecting the physical and spiritual worlds.
Dintsouna: Known as the Supreme Being in Bwiti cosmology, Dintsouna’s devotion is central to the tradition, representing ultimate divine connection and guidance.
Muatu Benga: Often called the White Goddess, Muatu Benga embodies the divine feminine and symbolizes purity and enlightenment.
Ancestral Spirits: Ancestors are deeply honored, often invoked during rituals to provide guidance, wisdom, and protection to the living.
Spirits of Nature: Various spirits associated with plants, animals, and natural phenomena emphasize Bwiti’s deep connection to the environment.
These figures represent moral guidance, healing, and protection, underscoring Bwiti’s intricate spiritual framework.
overview of nzambe kana and disumba
Nzambe Kana and Disumba are pivotal figures in Bwiti’s rich cosmology, which should be mentioned.
Nzambe Kana is revered as a mythical creator and divine architect. He represents order and the cosmic connection between humanity and the spiritual realm. His teachings are central to initiation rituals and guide practitioners toward understanding their place in the universe.
Disumba, often depicted in the sacred ngombi harp, reflects the duality of life and the connection between male and female energies. The harp’s music is believed to bridge the material and spiritual realms, providing a channel for profound insights during ceremonies.
In Bwiti rituals, both figures are central to transformative experiences, including initiations involving Iboga. Decorated masks, sculptures, and altars dedicated to these deities reinforce their significance in spiritual practices, preserving the cultural identity of the Tsogho people.
gabon initiation
If you’re curious to experience Bwiti firsthand, whether by visiting a village or participating in an initiation ceremony, we encourage you to contact us. We can connect you with trusted individuals who will safely guide you to authentic communities, ensuring a respectful and meaningful exchange.
Together, we can honor the spirit of Bwiti, uphold its integrity, and support the Indigenous peoples who continue to preserve this sacred tradition.
At Root & Wisdom, we strive to be stewards of this ancient wisdom, bridging the gap between worlds with respect, authenticity, and a deep commitment to reciprocal support.
Bwiti Vocabulary
Explore the rich and intricate vocabulary that forms the foundation of Bwiti traditions. These terms reflect the ceremonial tools, spiritual concepts, and practices integral to this sacred tradition. They have been shared with us through our time and study with various Bwiti communities, and we now share them with you in the same spirit of generosity and respect.
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B
– Baka / Obake: A triangular wooden percussion instrument played by two men with drumsticks.
– Banzi: A novice or candidate for initiation.
– Beti: Players of the harp (Ngombi) and musical bow (Mungɔngɔ).
– Bissiemu: Plant medicines the Nganga uses (healers or spiritual guides).
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D
– Dughɔba: Respect given to elders.
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G
– Ghedidi: The mind or psyche, regarded as the source of reflexivity.
– Ghedika / Edika: A primary medicine consumed by male initiates of the Bwete Misɔkɔ for visionary power.
– Ghedore: A decorated headband adorned with feathers.
– Gheghumu / Itsamanga: A central torch symbolizing the pathway to ancestors.
– Ghekeka: The clothing, objects, and makeup worn by the Nganga when embodying spirits (Mikuku).
– Gheliba: A sacred place in the temple marking the boundary between the visible and invisible worlds.
– Ghesanza (plural Misanza): Rattles made from shells of the oyamba fruit.
– Ghevede: Light, symbolizing enlightenment and spiritual clarity.
– Gnimbi: A powerful divination object held by the little finger.
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K
– Kendo: An iron bell with a curved handle associated with Mwiri initiates.
– Kinda-a-Bwete: The Bwiti family—a collective of initiated men and women.
– Kombe: The Sun, revered as a vital life force.
– Kombo / Mwenzu / Moandzu: A fly chaser symbolizing authority and power.
– Kudu: The turtle representing longevity and wisdom.
– Kweto: An adze worn on the shoulder by the Nima (initiator).
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M
– Mabɔndo: Blessing or an act of seeking forgiveness.
– Mabundi: An initiated woman.
– Maghanga: A term referring to the material objects of Bwiti and their associated spiritual knowledge.
– Mangwala: Bells attached to the ankles of the Nganga for ceremonies.
– Mbanja: The Bwiti temple is also called the “guardroom.”
– Mboka: The village is central to community life.
– Mboma: The snake is often symbolic in Bwiti cosmology.
– Mighonzi (singular Moghonzi): The “glorious dead,” former initiates residing in the ancestral village of Kombe.
– Mikuku: Spirits of the dead and the forest.
– Minanga: The stars connecting the physical and spiritual realms.
– Motema: The heart, regarded as the source of thought and desire.
– Muguli: Red kaolin used in rituals.
– Mungɔngɔ: A musical arc that uses the mouth as a resonator, significant in Bwete Misɔkɔ ceremonies.
– Mupetɔ: A hand torch used during rituals.
– Musingi: A genet, its skin was symbolically worn by men.
– Mususu: A therapeutic bath or perfume made with plant medicines.
– Mwaghu: The central prayer of Bwete Misɔkɔ, calling upon ancestors.
– Mwenge: A ritual dance performed with the hand torch (Mupetɔ).
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N
– Ngadi: The lightning, often symbolic of power or sudden insight.
– Ngando: The crocodile represents resilience and survival.
– Nganga: A clairvoyant healer or witch doctor.
– Nganga-a-Misɔkɔ: An initiate of the Bwete Misɔkɔ tradition.
– Ngombi: The harp is central to Bwiti music and rituals.
– Ngɔnde: The Moon, representing femininity and cycles.
– Nzambe Kana: The first deified ancestor, a foundational figure in Bwiti.
– Nzanga (Evu in Fang): The spiritual organ or essence from which a Nganga draws power.
– Nzaou: The elephant is symbolic of strength and wisdom.
– Nzingu: Seeds of Monodora myristica (calabash nutmeg) used in divination.
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P
– Pemba: White kaolin, symbolizing purity and clarity. “The Bwiti answered Pemba” means the spirits have given their approval.
– Penge: A small shoulder bag containing sacred plant medicines (Bissiemu).
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R
– Repepe: The wind also refers to a women’s fan.
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S
– Soke: A rattle made from spherical fruit shells filled with seeds.
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T
– Teta / Tata: The father represents authority and guidance.
– Tsicambudi: An antelope’s horn used to announce ceremonies.
– Tsombi: Protective items worn across the chest by initiates.
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Y
– Yaya: Older brothers, reflecting kinship and respect.
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This vocabulary highlights Bwiti’s rich cultural and spiritual framework, offering insights into its deep symbolism, practices, and cosmology.