These Fashion Images Were Inspired by Afro-Brazilian Religion.

Candomblé is the Afro-Brazilian version of West African indigenous religion brought to Latin America by enslaved peoples. It mixes Yoruba, Fon, and Bantu beliefs from West Africa with Western Catholicism, and is built on oral tradition with no written doctrine or scripture. Orishas, or spirits, are divine representations of everything that makes up the world and humanity.

Photographer Josefina Bietti draws from Candomblé for an Orisha-inspired shoot for ELLE Brazil’s March 2018 issue, starring model Mariane Calazan as various Orishas.

Iansa or Oya – the commander of wind and storms.

Mariane Calazan

Oxala or Obatala – the father of all humanity.

Mariane Calazan

Iemanjá or Yemoja – the water deity

Mariane Calazan

Oxumarê or Oshunmare – the rainbow spirit.

Mariane Calazan

Nanã or Nana Buluku – the mother of the supreme being.

Mariane Calazan