Preto Velho, in a literal translation, would be the equivalent of "Old Black Man".  

Preto Velho is an Afro-Brazilian entity that emerged during the period of slavery. He is represented by the figure of an old man with a full beard and curly hair, usually smoking a pipe or a  cigarette made from banana leaves. The image of Preto Velho is full of wisdom, being a response from enslaved people to the attempt at cultural appropriation by white men. Preto Velho, therefore, is a guardian of legends and stories, culture, and ancient African knowledge. 

Preto Velho is a keeper of knowledge, often associated with the African Griots.  

Preto Velho is the figure of a black man who came enslaved to Brazil, brutally expelled from his lands, and, in an unknown world, had to survive with his strength and sweat, never losing his resistance and African strength. According to legends, Preto Velho was a man of wisdom who went through the process of apotheosis, which means that when he dies, his spirit becomes immortal and he becomes an entity. They are identified as objectively acting spirits who help those in need, perform benign magical works, and have ethical qualities such as patience, virtue, and tolerance. True masters of magic, their spirits are some of the oldest in African religion, classified as healers, sorcerers, philosophers, and mandingueiros. They are also known for their medicinal work and extensive knowledge of herbs.

In addition to being a religious symbol, Preto Velho is a symbol of resistance, as he is an elderly man who is opposed to the image of forced passivity against enslaved people coming from Africa. 

This entity is widely worshiped in Umbanda and Candomblé as a spiritual guide for those whose ears are attentive enough to hear his words. In the future, Preto Velho was also adopted by the religions of the North and Northeast of Brazil, with emphasis on its participation in the Indigenous Caboclo and Sertaneja spirituality.

African culture in the figure of Preto Velho, a guardian of wisdom and magic. [Continue to read in body]