Sacred Symbols in Sequins: Vintage Haitian Vodou Flags
The liturgical objects on display in this gallery provide a more accurate insight into the beauty and sanctity of Haitian Vodou.
SEPTEMBER 1 - OCTOBER 20, 2015
Myth: Vodou originated in New Orleans.
Myth: Vodou dolls and pins are used to harm others.
Myth: Vodou Priests and Priestesses can bring the dead back to life as zombies.
Myth: Vodou is irrational and is full of devil worship.
Myth: Every Haitian practices Vodou.
Myth: Vodou practitioners are opposed to Christianity.
Fact: Many Vodou practitioners are Christians who regularly go to church.
Fact: “Voodoo” is considered a misspelling today.
Fact: Respect of ancestors is very important in Vodou.
Fact: Vodou is a mixture of African religions and Catholicism.
Fact: There is no single Vodou religion.
Fact: The Haitian Consulate claims Vodou is the primary culture & religion of Haiti.
Vodou is a religion practiced by millions of Haitians today. It is also a source of national identity and pride, historically connected to the abolition of slavery and Haiti’s independence. Its rituals, divinities, and imagery reveal a fusion of religious traditions from Europe, the Americas, and Africa; the Haitian Creole word “Vodou” stems from “Vodun,” meaning “spirit” in the Fon and Ewe languages of West Africa.
Despite such rich heritage and cultural significance, Vodou and its practitioners are often demonized and scapegoated by others. For many, the term brings up unfortunate, Hollywood-inspired imagery of hexes, demons, and zombies. But believers consider themselves monotheists who call on spirits (lwa) to intercede with the Supreme Creator (Bondye) on behalf of those in need.
During ceremonies, painstakingly adorned flags are flourished to welcome the lwa; several lwa are connected to Catholic saints. Sequin-covered bottles are also commonly used. Each bottle reveals the colors associated with the spirit to whom the drink is offered and is filled with her or his favorite drink, like wine, champagne, specific types of rum, or soda. The liturgical objects on display in this gallery provide a more accurate insight into the beauty and sanctity of Haitian Vodou.
This exhibition features early to mid-20th century Haitian Vodou flags (drapo Vodou), Voudou libation bottles, and portraits of contemporary Vodou practitioners by renowned photographer Phyllis Galembo.