Monstrous

Apocalypse Soon => Religions, Cults & Sects => Topic started by: Bloody Angel on June 27, 2006, 01:09:39 AM

Title: Leopard Men - Anioto Secret Society
Post by: Bloody Angel on June 27, 2006, 01:09:39 AM
They don’t exist anymore, but I quite like the topic (which I would not know hot to put into categories, btw) so I’m posting it.


The Anioto, also known as Leopard Men, was a secret society within various native tribes of Congo (but then spread to other countries), from supposedly the 18th century until 1936.
Its young members used to dress in leopard skins, or wearing tunics and hoods dotted with spots and rings or tattoing their bodies with colored mixtures in order to remind of the animal’s fur. However the tail was for real and it was attached a belt holding other tools needed to carry out their night ritual such as: earthenware pots, iron claws and sharp knives.
The most interesting accessory seemed to be a bracelet with four dangling knifes which when the hand extended reminded of leopard’s paws and claws.
Members used to walk on all fours and voiced cries similar to leopards’. In order to become an Anioto they had to kill a beloved one, relative or first wife. They murdered their victims ripping them open so it would look like an animal’s assault.
Truth is they were assassins who killed those who refused to acknowledge the local chief’s rules or those who had been accused of witchcraft practices.
Title: Re: Leopard Men - Anioto Secret Society
Post by: Devious Viper on June 27, 2006, 02:29:11 AM
[[Human Monsters]]
Title: Re: Leopard Men - Anioto Secret Society
Post by: Bloody Angel on June 27, 2006, 02:44:21 AM
[[Human Monsters]]

As I might as well jump at your throat, so put me in that category as a wannabe, thank you   :gun:
Title: Re: Leopard Men - Anioto Secret Society
Post by: Devious Viper on June 27, 2006, 04:02:46 AM
I believe there may be a connection between this group and the "Abakua", an Afro-Cuban men's secret society, which originated from earlier secret societies in  Nigeria and Cameroon. They are known to use the leopard as a symbol of masculine prowess in war and political authority in their various communities. Abakuá is widely regarded as emphasizing rather than combatting "malevolent sorcery."

The rhythmic dance music of the Abakuá combined with the Bantu traditions of the Congo contributed to one of Cuba's musical traditions, the rumba. Ireme  is the name for the masked Abakuá dancer known as Idem or Ndem Africa. The masquerade dancer is carefully covered in a tight-fitting suit and hood, and dances with both a broom and a staff. The broom serves to cleanse faithful members of the fraternity, while the stick chastises both enemies and traitors to the Abakuá traditions. During initiation ceremonies it is called the Erí nBan nDó, and at funerals it is called AlanManguín Besuá.