Haitian

Artist unknown

Haiti
Ezili (ceremonial vodou flag) 85.0008

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Most vodou temples boast a pair of matched drapo (ceremonial flags). Usually one honors the warrior spirit Ogou in the form of Sen Jak (St. James), the other invokes a second deity or even a cluster of deities of special importance to the ounfò (temple). Usually made of velvet, satin, or rayon, and often adorned with beads, appliqué and sequins, each is dedicated to a sacred lwa (spirit), incorporating the colors and symbols for that deity. These drapo (flags) derive their iconography from Kongo and Dahomean symbols, from African ceremonial textiles, Roman Catholic processional banners, and Masonic flags. The color pink and the checkered heart shape of this flag is enough to associate it with Ezili, the vodou goddess of love.

 

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