Obia (folklore)

Obia (folklore)

An obia or obeah is a monster in West African folklore. It is described as being a massive animal that witches send into villages to kidnap young girls and wear their skin for a coat.

It is also the common term in the Bay Islands of Honuduras for a witch, or the spell that is cast by the witch. This is most likely a traditional Garifuna word.

An obiama or obiaman is one who uses the power of obia.

According to Edwards ‘s History of the British Colonies in the West Indies, published in 1793 reports the best account of obeah in Jamaica. The term Obeah or Obia has become a popular term in Jamaica used to describe Africans on the island that practice witchcraft. It is considered to be a practice of supernatural craft, learned through connection with the devil, that allows a person to kill or sure as a way to receive wealth, power, or revenge on one’s enemies.From testimony of all Negroes on the island, it is said that the processors of Obi have always been natives of Africa. They brought the science with them to Jamaica, where it was universally practiced in a few large estates. Negroes, Africans or Creoles, respect, consult, and fear the Obeah Folklore; they hold faith to these prophecies and call upon them to cure disorders, obtain revenge, help with favors, punish thieves or adulterers, and predict future events.