Cuban Santería (the way of the saints) is a complex religion which combines the rituals and beliefs of the Yoruba people from Nigeria with corresponding Roman Catholic saints, which slaves were forced to worship. An initiate in Santería leads a rigorously disciplined life dedicated to the cult of a particular oricha (deity) for life. The eclectic pantheon of divinities must be frequently gratified and appeased through festive ceremonies that include veneration, offerings and drumming. The ritual offering of slaughtered animals has created conflicts between practitioners and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.