© 2009 Danilo Lejardi
Please view large

For some time ago, I´ve been trying to complete my version of the Abakua Legend. My goal would be that of creating a book with images and texts depicting this Legend. So here I am, once again, for the umpteenth time, trying to recreate the origins of this cult.
Basically, Abakua or Abakuá is an Afro-Cuban men’s initiatory fraternity, or secret society, which originated from fraternal associations in Africa.
These closed groups all used the leopard as a symbol of masculine prowess in war and political authority in their various communities.
Why women were excluded from this cult? Well, that´s what the Legend is about.
You´ll see.
Main figure was done in Cinema 4D; also blended some photo/layers, and did a bit of digital painting.