Haitian Mystique

Vodou Ritual Part III:
The Celebration

This triptych is a visualization of the ritual for becoming a mambo or female High Priestess in Haitian Vodou (voodoo). Mambo are the highest form of clergy in the religion. Their responsibility is to preserve the rituals and songs and maintain the relationship between the spirits and the community.

ARTIST NOTES:

Based on the myths of New Orleans priestess Marie Laveau, this scene shows the newly-crowned Vodou priestess rising from the water to celebrate with her following.

MATERIAL NOTES:

The metal used as the substrate for the attached elements in the lower half of the composition (tree leaves, snake, candles, pastry shelf) was cut from old aluminum newspaper press sheets.

Dimensions: 29in x 22in

Media: Acrylic on masonite, metal sculptures affixed to frame.

Year: 1999