Haitian Artwork.Com

Haiti Business, Art,  History, & Culture, Voodoo, Music, Flag & Language

Search The "Haitian Yellow Pages"

CULTURE HAITI

Although the official Haitian Religion , as inherited from the French colonialists, is Roman Catholicism, about 10% of the Haitian Population believes in Voodoo, a religion that arose from the slavery-era. The Voodoo religion has been the subject of much repression and misunderstanding in the country's history. Some Christian missionaries incorrectly believe that it is worship of Satan. Such beliefs exist in all social strata. The ex-president of Haiti has once sacrified the Haiti country to Satan, as reported by a Christian missionary magazine at 2003.

Vodou is a religion born in slavery, which blends together a number of traditional African beliefs with elements from other faiths, notably Catholicism, the religion of the slave-owners, with which it has always been an uncomfortable bed-fellow.

It began in Haiti in the ethnic 'melting pot' created by French colonial slavery when Africans of many different lineages were forcefully transported to become agricultural slaves in this new land. The indigenous Haitian Taino and Arawak peoples had already been largely exterminated during the earlier Spanish invasion, yet much of their culture and traditions remained and these, too, were incorporated into the African beliefs. Europeans, including pro-Stuart Scottish deportees, also came to settle in Haiti and their beliefs, also, were absorbed. The result was a broad mix of many different African, indigenous Haitian and even European pre-Christian traditions which, through a process of evolution and syncretisation, became blended and formalized to create a religion which encompassed them all.

Please click here to comment on Haitian history

Early Christian zealots, the religious elite of the French slave-owners, set about ‘civilising’ the ‘heathen’ slaves and indoctrinating them into Christian beliefs and practices. Some, like the missionary Father Labat, took pride in their work. Labat writes glowingly in his journal of at least one occasion where he personally beat a slave to death in order to ‘save his soul’ and encourage others to renounce their own traditions.

It is not surprising, therefore, that Voodoo became a clandestine religion, practiced in secret, since open espousal of its tenets was almost a guarantee of death. This low visibility suited the political, economic and religious elite perfectly, enabling it to demonize Voodoo practices still further and secure funding from the French Court in order to police the slaves more effectively and build more churches for their conversion.

Finally, in 1791, the injustices of slavery grew too intense and a Voodoo Priest called Boukman Dutty ( Bois Caïman), himself a slave, led an uprising which was to become the first successful Slave Revolt in history. The struggle ended more than 30 years later, with the formation of the world’s first black republic.

Voodoo remained banned in Haiti until 1987, however, and efforts to destroy the religion continued throughout most of the last century, notably during the U.S. Occupation of Haiti  between 1915-1934 and again in 1941 when the Christian church, with state backing, set about an Inquisition-like campaign to destroy Voodoo artifacts, torch its temples, and coerce the Voodoo community to adopt its belief system.

Voodoo endured despite these efforts and was finally accepted as the formal religion of Haiti in 2003. While it is technically true to say that Voodoo has only existed as an orthodox practice since the late 1980s, when the restrictions against it were lifted, and as a recognized world religion for only a few years, in reality its roots are as ancient as African history.

Please click here to comment on Haitian Voodoo

What is it that accounts for this longevity, against all the odds? For the followers of Voodoo, it is the very closeness of the Gods and the comfort they bring which will ensure that Voodoo survives. As Joseph Cleveland, a Haitian cook now living in Ottawa put it in the Montreal Gazette recently: “I do not practice  – I live it”.

Despite its somewhat exotic reputation, and the ‘wars of faith’ between the Haitians and their Catholic masters, Voodoo has much in common with Christianity. There is one creator-God, known as Gran Met ('Great Master'), or Bondye ('Good God' - from the French 'Bon Dieu'), an entity concerned with the grand cosmic plan and the order of the universe, who can therefore seem somewhat distant from everyday human affairs.

Gran Met has therefore assembled a pantheon of ambassadors for his work on Earth, to ensure that his people do not feel abandoned and forgotten. These are the loa or 'lwa" (Ogoun,  Azaka,  Ghede,  Damballa,  Legba,  Agwe), who are at once separate entities with specific roles and functions - somewhat like the angels of Christianity - and, at the same time, aspects of the same God-energy and representative of his will. The loa (Ogoun,  Azaka,  Ghede,  Damballa,  Legba,  Agwe) are directly available to man through the mechanism of possession, a trance-like state where the follower gives over the control of the physical body to the spirits who will then ‘mount’ him so that he becomes their cherval (‘horse’). The loa are then immediately visible among the people, dispensing wisdom, advice and healing to the congregation. With Voodoo, you do not pray to the Gods, you become the Gods themselves.

The character and function of the loa, varies enormously, like some grand cosmic division of labour. Gran Bwa (literally, 'Big Wood'), for example, is revered as a great healer, while Erzuli, the goddess of love, is concerned with emotional and relationship issues, and Ogoun, the warrior-loa and diplomat, is called upon to resolve legal matters and personal conflicts. In this way, the loa have a psycho-spiritual and pastoral role to perform as well as a religious function, helping to resolve conflicts directly, and dealing with fundamental human issues of love and belonging.

Please click to share your view on Haitian Politics

The ancestors ('zanset yo') are a third spiritual force (even the Haitian national anthem begins with the words, "For the country, and the ancestors, we walk united..."), and every family compound has its own ancestral graveyard, with tombs so elaborate that they sometimes resemble small houses.

In this tripartite system of God, loa and ancestors we can, in many ways, see the Christian Holy Trinity reflected, with Gran Met as the Father, the loa as the Son(s), and the ancestors as the Holy Ghost, ever-present in the lives of the people.

At the centre of all this stands the Houngan, or Voodoo Priest. Initiation (or becoming ‘made’) as a Houngan (Priest) or Mambo (Priestess) is a formal procedure which involves arduous ritual performances by the candidates at the ceremony of bat guerre ('the battle for the spirits'). Here, through physical exertion and mental concentration, against the hypnotic backbeat of drums, chanting, and the clashing of ceremonial machetes, the candidate is expected to become possessed by a particular loa who is then seen to express a declared interest in and offer patronage to, that person.

The final night of the bat guerre is followed by seclusion for five nights and four days in the dark isolation of the djevo, the inner sanctum of the Voodoo temple, where secret teachings are imparted. The djevo experience culminates with another public ceremony, the brule zin (‘flaming pots’), where the candidate is expected to demonstrate his partnership with the loa by plunging his hand into pots of boiling oil. If the initiate can do so without harm, he is seen to be protected by the Gods. If he cannot, he may be considered to have less currency or power as a Priest.

If the initiate succeeds, he will enter the Priesthood at one of three levels – hounsi kanzo, a rank equivalent to a pastor, sur point, equivalent to a Catholic Minister, or asogwe, equal to that of a Bishop. The challenges for each rank are practical, physical and visible to the community and offer categorical proof that the candidate is accepted by the spirits, the most important judges of all.

In his new capacity, the Houngan, like any religious leader, is the authority on the nature and desires of the spirits, as well as therapist, doctor, magistrate, counselor and confessor to the members of his community and the people he serves.

As all of this suggest, there is rather more to Voodoo than animal sacrifices and black magic - and nor is it some exotic dark art. Rather, it is a religion just like any other and demands the same respect that would be given to Catholicism, Buddhism, or any other.

Even more fundamentally than this, Voodoo is an expression of the human spirit and the power of will to overcome any form of oppression in order to enjoy whatever faith we choose, despite provocation or attack from others.

We Need your Help.

Please click here to comment on Haitian Voodoo
 

Current Contributors:

www.haitianYellowPages.Com

Recommended Dealers:

Galerie Monnin - Haiti

Art – Art collectors around the world are discovering the powerful works of Haitian artists. We have a wide variety of Haitian Art, including paintings, voodou flags, sculptures in wood, metal, ceramic, marble . We are located in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Art Expo Valcin II  - Petion Ville, Haiti

Visit our gallery of original Haitian art. We feature oil paintings from first generation artists to newly discovered talents, all at reasonable prices. The art of Haiti

Festival Art - Petion Ville, Haiti

A huge selection of Haitian art, colorful paintings, voodoo art, metal sculptures, Haitian music, fine art, folk art, consignment paintings, Caribbean art. We have been promoting the art of Haiti for many years

Galerie D'Art Nader - Petion Ville, Haiti

We have the largest collection of Haitian art outside of Haiti.". Drapo Vodou Sale! ... | Books on Haitian Art. Abstract Realism Amazon Project Folk Art Haitian Art Jazz & Blues Journeys Monotype Perspective Southern Light

Galerie Mapou - Petion Ville, Haiti

Offering a variety of Haitian Art including metal sculptures, paintings, and wood carvings. We have selected from among Haiti's finest artists, representing various schools and mediums. Visit now and discover the magic of the art from Haiti.

Galerie Marassa - Petion Ville, Haiti

Find the Posters, Prints & Artwork of Haiti. In addition, we have Cuban art, Jamaican art and Caribbean art gallery featuring Cuban artists, Haitian artists, Jamaican artists and other Caribbean artists paintings.

Grim Galerie - Port-au-Prince, Haiti

We have what you're looking for. Haitian Art & much more. We provide you with historical and timely information on the internationally renowned Haitian art

Haitian Art Company - Key West, Florida

Like the Haitian people, Vodou spirits came from Africa, and they have been ... To honor and serve these spirits, Haitians create ceremonial art. See the Wonders of the art of Haiti.

Haitian Art Factory - Miami, Florida

Haitian Art Lovers! We have Voodoo Vodou Flags, Paitings, Outsider Art, Peruvian Handicrafts and Colombian art. We also carry Haiti art produced by a variety of Haitian artists. Haitian art gallery of works by several different Haitian artists.

Le Clocher Galerie D'Art - Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Without a doubt, art of Haiti, especially painting and sculpture, is among the most appreciated in the world. Visit our gallery of original Haitian art. We have the largest collection of Haitian art outside of Haiti."

Les Ateliers J. Rene Jerome - Port-au-Prince, Haiti

We have what you're looking for. Art of Haiti & much more. We feature oil paintings from first generation artists to newly discovered talents, all at reasonable prices.

Medalia Art - New York

Visit our gallery of original art from Haiti. We offer a variety of Haitian Art including metal sculptures, paintings, and wood carvings.

Musart - Petion Ville, Haiti

Visit now and discover the magic of Haitian art. We have a huge selection of art from Haiti, colorful paintings, voodoo art, metal sculptures, Haitian music, fine art, folk art, consignment paintings, Caribbean art.

Decoralys Antiquites - Petion Ville, Haiti

Frame - We do custom framing, original oil paintings, prints and limited editions, dry mounting, needle point, custom size canvas stretching repair and restoration, mildew removed from fine art

Antilles Mizik - New York

Music from Haiti - Every artist, every song. Watch the hottest new music videos. Find out more about your favorite artists with the artist discography, song lyrics, and latest news.

Blue Hill Sounds & Gift Shop - Massachusetts

News and headlines from the music and entertainment industries. - Please Support Haitian Music. - increase the exposure of the music from Haiti. Find millions of CDs and more. - Check out Music. See artist photos, music videos, live interviews and exclusive performances.

Caribbean Vision - New York

Your one stop Music resource for over 1200 bands, artist and musicians from Haiti. - for the hottest artists, concerts, promotions, music videos + more!

Casey Record - Miramar, Florida

Quality Source For the Music of Haiti - what's going on in the Haitian music industry - Troubadour Music Konpa. ... KONPA DIRECK Music

Celebrite - New York

Haitian Music, Compa, Zouk, Racines, Kreyol Jazz, compas, kompa, konpa, salsa, Your best source for Compas, zouk, latin and reggae music, Haitian Music ...

Chez Jacqueline - New York

Specialist in Haitian music and music of the African diaspora in the Caribbean - Music Store has sold more than 200 million songs, providing music fans with the best. Haiti music

Digital Heatwave - Florida

Favorite New/Classic CDs On Sale - A truly independent music store. We sell new and used records, cds, tapes, videos, laserdiscs, collectibles and posters. All the popular classic music of Haiti are here.

Edma Music & Video - Miami, Florida

Highest sound quality of any music store - carrying hard to find CD's, LP's, and cassettes. article related to Music, - and their music is displayed alongside the major labels. You'll find hundreds of bonus buys.

Fifi Record Shop - Miami, Florida

We present a carefully selected supply of Ltd collection of Haiti musical titles. Easy Listening Pop R&B/Soul Rap/Hip-Hop Rock Soundtracks and More World - more New & Upcoming Releases >> Music on DVD.

Galaxi Record - Miami, Florida

Looking for that special song from Haiti? - whenever you want, however you want. And quickly buy entire albums or purchase just a few select tracks in the Music match Music Store.

HBC Productions - Massachusetts

All the music from Haiti: Troubadour, Music Konpa, KONPA DIRECK Music. Choose from over 700,000 songs and counting. A truly independent music store, We sell new and used records, cds, tapes, videos, laserdiscs, collectibles and posters.

Island Faces Record - Orlando, Florida

Music Store has sold more than 200 million songs, providing music fans with the best digital. Please Support the music of Haiti. Increase the exposure of Haitian music article related to Music.

Layite Record & Production - Lauderhill, Florida

Find out more about your favorite artists with the artist discography, song lyrics, and latest news - Haiti Music, Compa, Zouk, Racines, Kreyol Jazz, compas, kompa, konpa, salsa, Your best source online for Compas, zouk, latin and reggae music, Haitian Music

Les Disques Soleil Des Iles - Montreal, Canada

The music of Haiti: Troubadour, Music Konpa, KONPA DIRECK Music. See artist photos, music videos, live interviews and exclusive performances.

Marc's Record Shop - New York

Music Store has sold more than 200 million songs, providing music fans with the best. For the hottest bit from Haiti: artists, concerts, promotions, music videos & more, visit us.