General
obeah
What does obeah mean?
A system of African-derived folk magic, spells and healing practised in Jamaica.
"Dem seh she go a obeah man fi help."
Origin
Jamaican Patois, from Akan/Ashanti 'ɔbayifoɔ' (witch/sorcerer).
Frequently asked questions
What is obeah?
Obeah is an Afro-Caribbean system of folk magic, spells and healing practised in Jamaica and other islands.
Where does the word obeah come from?
It derives from the Akan/Ashanti word 'ɔbayifoɔ', meaning witch or sorcerer, carried to the Caribbean from West Africa.
What is an obeah man?
An obeah man (or woman) is a practitioner people consult for spells, protection, healing, or to work harm on others.
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