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.^[1]

The Obeah Man

Obeah is often seen as a device for West Indian Success. Since Obeah brings power, fear, and respect, it is expected that an Obeah man have all these traits. In a society like the West Indies an Obeah Man and his trapping are synonymous. If an obeah man is known to be a good dealer he will have many clients. If a person gains some sort of fortune through means that is not visible then it is believed that he is dealing some sort of supernatural powers. Within the West Indian society the practice of the Obeah man, is praised by his community to be a fellow man between the natural and supernatural world that works both good and evil. However the implied obeah man who is held suspect. The implied obeah man does not help others with his skills but uses it for personal interest. The implied obeah man is despised the community in which he lives and he is hated and reviled by his society.^[2]