
In this May 23, 2014 photo, Yusanelis Moras leaves of a room before a performance in Havana, Cuba. Obini Bata is the first orchestra of percussionists made up of women who dared to drum bata drums. Under Afro-Cuban beliefs, the two-sided bata (pronounced ba-TAH) are sacred, used for connecting with Santeria spirits. Tradition dictates theContinue reading “Photographer Franklin Reyes: 1975 – 2014”
In this May 23, 2014 photo, Yusanelis Moras leaves of a room before a performance in Havana, Cuba. Obini Bata is the first orchestra of percussionists made up of women who dared to drum bata drums. Under Afro-Cuban beliefs, the two-sided bata (pronounced ba-TAH) are sacred, used for connecting with Santeria spirits. Tradition dictates the drums be made only from the hides of male goats. Players must undergo a lengthy consecration ritual. And, above all, the sacred bata are only to be played by men. (AP Photo/Franklin Reyes)