Errol Daniels: Santeria and Transgender
© Errol Daniels
The Exhibition: Santeria
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Most American photographers have not had the privilege to travel to Cuba and photograph freely. I am one of the lucky ones. I made many visits to the glorious island between 2000 and 2004 to work on my project, CUBA: A Jewish Journey which tells the story of contemporary Jewish life in Cuba.
I made good, close friends in Cuba. Because of two of them I was able to secure a Cuban Press Pass, without which I would not have been able to make pictures for my several projects, one of which is Santeria, a syncretic Afro-Cuban religion developed from the beliefs and customs of the Yoruba people and incorporating elements of the Catholic religion. After all, the slaves had their own religion, but needed to survive when freed.
Also called The Way of the Saints, Santerians are private, especially during their ceremonies involving animal sacrifice. That’s where my Cuban friends come in. I was welcomed into the home of a high priest (Babalorisha) on a feast day when an animal was sacrificed, which is reflected in some of my images.
When it comes to my photography work done in Cuba, friendship was everything. Because my friends have connections and influence, I was able to complete this and several other projects.
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