noun
- A system of folk magic and spiritual practices originating in West Africa and the Caribbean, involving the use of charms, herbs, and rituals.
Usage: Also spelled 'obeah' or 'obi'; Primarily used in historical and anthropological contexts; Associated with Caribbean and African diaspora cultures
Examples
- Obiism was practiced by enslaved Africans in the Caribbean as a form of spiritual resistance.
- The anthropologist studied obiism as part of her research on African diaspora religions.
- Historical records document the colonial authorities' attempts to suppress obiism in Jamaica.
- Obiism blends African spiritual traditions with local Caribbean beliefs and practices.