Eboka/Iboga Rootbark Shavings why it is called the Bois Sacre

Tabernanthe iboga is also known by many names such as Bois Sacré and Eboka. Eboka is a shrub. The tree is used for ritual and ceremonial purposes in some west and central African cultures. Bwiti is a spiritual discipline of the forest-dwelling Punu and Mitsogo peoples of Gabon where it is recognized as one of three official religions and also by the Fang people of Gabon and Cameroon.

Modern Bwiti religion integrates animism, ancestor worship, and Christianity into a unified belief system. There is a strong reason why Eboka is referred to as “Bois Sacre” in Gabon. Eboka is believed to be a major part of their religion- the Bwiti religion. It stands at the center of activities and permits them to commune with the gods (ancestors). The term “Bwiti” is often misinterpreted in the west. This is likely due to a lack of circulation of information (considering it is an oral tradition), appropriation and modification of rites amongst the different populations, and also purposeful disinformation with the aim to keep rites secret

Their spiritual path revolves around the sacred use of the Eboka roots, an agent for advancing one’s consciousness and personal growth at an incredibly rapid rate. Bwiti initiation ceremonies are led by a spiritual leader called N’ganga also commonly known as Sharman who is a very important member of the community and has extensive knowledge of traditional healing practices, hexes, and spells. The critical rite of Bwiti is the initiation ceremony when young Gabonese women and men take eboka for the first time in the huts specific to each gender to become members of the spiritual practice.

Their spiritual path revolves around the sacred use of the Eboka roots, an agent for advancing one’s consciousness and personal growth at an incredibly rapid rate. Bwiti initiation ceremonies are led by a spiritual leader called N’ganga also commonly known as Sharman who is a very important member of the community and has extensive knowledge of traditional healing practices, hexes, and spells. The critical rite of Bwiti is the initiation ceremony when young Gabonese women and men take eboka for the first time in the huts specific to each gender to become members of the spiritual practice.

For centuries, followers of the Bwiti tradition have used Iboga in healing ceremonies and spiritual rituals for self-discovery, personal development, physical healing, connection to nature and cosmos, direct communication with spirits and ancestors, and in giving thanks for the gift of life. One of the meanings of the word “Bwiti” is “Emancipation”, indicating a freeing of old ways, beliefs, and systems.

The Pygmy peoples are often cited as the origin of Bwiti, or at least of the use of eboka in a ritualistic context. There are many ceremonies at different times of the year to give homage to the ancestors. Special ceremonies may be held to heal sick persons or drive out malevolent spirits.

In Gabon, Eboka is regarded as a sacred medicine, a teacher plant, and The Tree of Life. This root is held so sacred that on June 6, 2000, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Gabon declared Tabernanthe Iboga a National Treasure.

The spirit of Iboga created the Bwiti tradition through the Pygmies and their knowledge. Through Iboga’s guidance, the Bwiti created instruments, music, and dances and expanded their creative expression. The Bwiti use a red paste, which signifies the woman’s menstrual blood, and a white paste, which signifies purity and the man’s sperm. When the pastes are used together, they equal creation and the gift of Life. These pastes are painted onto the body and used in rituals.

During some ceremonies, a traditional torch made of bark and tree sap, the mupeto, is burned. Music and dance are central to the Bwiti tradition. Participants sing and play drums and shakers. Some traditions use the Ngombi harp, while others use the traditional Mongongo. The N’ganga and other participants usually dress in red, black, and white cloth.