Bwiti: School of Life, Part 4

Bwiti: School of Life is a 4-part interactive webinar series that serves as a platform and voice for traditional practitioners of Bwiti in Gabon to educate and inspire anyone with an interest in the use of iboga, referred to in Gabon mostly as le bois sacre (“the sacred wood”). The series will provide a window into the beautiful and and profound traditional uses, and how the sacred wood serves as not only a medicine, but a way of life in Gabon. The content aims to educate and connect people to the depth, artistry and wisdom of the traditions, as well as touch on themes of integral plant medicine practice and sustainability.

This is a unique educational opportunity. Rather than a materialistic view of the historical development of iboga and ibogaine in other contexts, we will explore the emerging and evolving cultural contexts of its use and the way that these practices and ideals have influenced global culture and approaches to healing and spirituality. Each 1.5 hour webcast will include short clips of video material collected in villages that practice various branches of traditional Bwiti, live presentations from guests, and Q&A periods for our online participants joining from around the world.

Week 4: Dissumba

Sunday, November 29

Guests: Mama Aline & Dipanda

• History of Dissumba
• Various branches of Dissumba initiation:
• Abanji/Mabanji
• Ilombo
• Ombwiri
• Ombudi
• Loro
• The ngombe (sacred harp)
• Healing rituals involved in her tradition
• Training to serve the wood.
• What does it involve?
• How long does it take?