Time (Kitembo): The Lord of Time and Sacred Space
Main Domain
Sacred Symbols
Colors and Day
Greeting
1. Introduction: The Principle of Ancestry and the Axis of the World
Time is how the Nkisi Kitembo of the Angola nation has been incorporated and worshipped in many Jeje Candomblé houses in Brazil. He represents time, the seasons, the climate, and ancestry itself. His home is the white fig tree, and his symbol is a large white flag in the center of the terreiro, representing the axis that connects the human world to the spiritual world.
2. Fundamental Myths
The myths of Time are those of Kitembo. He is a primordial deity who witnessed the creation of the world and sustains the sky. He determines the right time for planting, harvesting, and rituals, and is the great organizer of the liturgical calendar.
3. Domains and Symbols
Their domain is the air and sacred space of the terreiro. Their symbol is the white flag (perched on a pole) and the Iroko tree itself (white gameleira).
4. Archetype and Personality
Their children are wise, balanced people with a strong connection to their ancestry. They are community leaders and counselors, valuing tradition and stability. They are the guardians of time and memory.
5. Relationships and Dialogues
Although worshipped by the Jeje nation, it is essential to understand that Tempo is an Nkisi of Bantu (Kongo-Angola) origin. His presence in the Jeje pantheon in Brazil is a beautiful example of the syncretism and dialogue between different African nations in the diaspora. He dialogues with the Orisha Iroko, who is the deified sacred tree itself.