Palo, Congo, Inkisi

The religions and divination systems that developed among the Kongo and Bantu people of Congo / Angola Central Africa focus on worship of the Nkisi (also called Inquice or Mpungos). Palo is also called Mayombe, Malongo, Palo Monte, Palo Cristiano, Palo Judica, Kimbisa, or Briyumba -- and the word "Palo" is Spanish for "stick." Palo's diaspora roots go back to the Central African people who brought their religion with them when they were forcibly enslaved in Brazil, Cuba, and other islands in the West Indies. Like most African Traditional Religions, Palo is currently practiced under several names on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.