Palo, or Las Reglas e Congo are a group of closely related denominations or religions of largely Bantu origin developed by slaves from Central Africa in Cuba. Other names associated with various branches of this religion include Palo Mayombe, Kimbisa or Santo Cristo Buen Viaje. The word "palo" ("stick" in Spanish) was applied to the religion in Cuba due to the use of wooden sticks in the preparation of their altar, also called "la Nganga", "el caldero" or "la prenda". Adherents of Palo are known generally as "Paleros"or "Ngangeros" or "Nganguleros". Membership is by initiation into a "house" or "Temple". The organizational structure follows the model of a family. During slavery when blood families often were broken up by slave holders, this model was particularly significant and taken literally.