Vodou Ceremony

Jean Edy Morisset

Vodou Ceremony, circa 1970

Where object was made: Haiti

Material/technique: paint; hardboard

Dimensions:
Canvas/Support (Height x Width x Depth): 60 x 41 cm
Canvas/Support (Height x Width x Depth): 23 5/8 x 16 1/8 in
Frame Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 25 1/4 x 17 1/2 x 1 in

Credit line: Mary Lou Vansant Hughes Collection

Accession number: 2011.0307

Not on display

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The Ties that Bind: Haiti, the United States, and the Art of Ulrick Jean-Pierre in Comparative Perspective

The religion and culture of Vodou center around rituals that take place throughout the year. Although these ceremonies are diverse, most are aimed at invoking one or more Iwas (spirits) through possession and involve dancing, singing, and drumming. During the ceremony, the lwa(s) heal, bless, cleanse, or prophesize to the audience. There are also fèt lwa, which take place on the feast day of saints associated with the lwas. For instance, Damballah, the spirit of the serpent, is celebrated around the time of Saint Patrick’s Day. This is also the time when vodouyizan (Vodou practitioners) come together to invoke and serve a specific lwa or several lwas at once. Public Vodou ceremonies are led by hougans (priests) and manbos (priestesses), who are not paid by a temple, church, or any other organization. Instead, guests commonly contribute money or offerings such as rum, cigars, perfume, and flowers to the lwas (spirits). Most hougans and manbos, however, earn their living through services provided to private clients, which vary but may include divinations, readings, or baths.