Carlos Euge Nio Marcondes De Moura

Gisèle Cossard Omindarewa, born in Tangier, Morocco in 1923, was a significant figure in the study and practice of Candomblé. Raised in a Catholic environment with a father who was a primary teacher and a mother who was a pianist, her early exposure to Moroccan culture through her parents' collected artifacts and stories later fueled her fascination with African traditions.

She became a Mãe-de-santo of Candomblé in Rio de Janeiro, recognized as Mother Giselle of Yemoja and Daughter of Saint John of Goméia. Her academic work as an anthropologist and writer focused on Candomblé, particularly the Angolan rite, contributing to a deeper understanding of its rituals and the Orisha Yemoja. Her writings, including 'AWÔ, The Mystery of the Orixás', are recognized contributions to the field of Afro-Brazilian religious studies. Omindarewa passed away in 2016.

Born Gisèle Cossard in Tangier, Morocco, in 1923, her early life was shaped by her father's military posting and her family's Catholic upbringing. Her father, a primary teacher, and her mother, a pianist, brought back numerous art objects and stories from Morocco, which became a profound source of wonder for young Gisèle. This early exposure to African culture, even indirectly, seems to have laid the groundwork for her later deep engagement with Afro-Brazilian traditions. Despite her father's extended stay in Morocco until 1925, Gisèle herself did not retain explicit memories of the period, though the collected cultural artifacts and narratives clearly left a lasting impression.

Omindarewa became a prominent Mãe-de-santo within the Candomblé religion in Rio de Janeiro, holding the titles Mother Giselle of Yemoja and Daughter of Saint John of Goméia. Her spiritual role was complemented by her academic pursuits as an anthropologist and writer. She dedicated significant effort to documenting and analyzing Candomblé, particularly the Angolan rite. Her contributions aimed to illuminate the religious practices and beliefs associated with the Orishas, offering insights into the spiritual landscape of Afro-Brazilian culture. Her work is recognized for its depth in understanding the complexities of these traditions.