Ayibobo: A Contemplative Space Honoring the Sacred 21 Nations of Haitian Vodou
Publication information:
Abstract
Artist Talk: This artistic display recreates an altar space honoring the 21 nations (nanchon) of Haitian Vodou. It is inspired by Dr. Kyrah Malika Daniels's work, An Assembly of Twenty-One Spirit Nations: The Pan-African Pantheon of Haitian Vodou's African Lwa. Using sacred artifacts, vibrant colors, and cultural symbolism, this exhibit invites viewers to engage and learn more about the living spirits (lwa) of Haiti. Each nanchon and lwa is represented by an array of sacred artifacts. The exhibit is a recreated altar, helping viewers see the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. Through the display, viewers can gain an understanding of the African diasporic cosmology and artistry of ancestral Haitian Vodou spiritual practices.
Presenter Biographies
All presenters are members of Sosyete Nago, a spiritual community based in Boston and Jacmel, Haiti.
Christie Lindor (She/Her) is a Priestess and MTS Candidate at Harvard Divinity School. She is focused on the comparative study of African religions and Hinduism.
Collin Edouard (Le/He) is a Ph.D. Candidate in Ethnomusicology at Yale University. As an activist and Priest, he focuses on the voice in Vodou ceremonies, Indigenous implementation, and the sonic trace of spirit. Collin is a KOSANBA and Phi Beta Kappa New York board member.
Julian Celfie (He/Him) owns BelKay Botanica, a contemporary sacred arts boutique. As a Priest and Visual Artist, Julian specializes in inclusive, sacred ritual arts of African religions in their many different forms.
Dr. Kyrah Malika Daniels (She/Her) is an Assistant Professor of African American Studies at Emory University. Her first book (Art of the Healing Gods, under review) examines sacred art objects used in Haitian and Congolese healing ceremonies. Daniels currently serves as Co Vice-President for KOSANBA, the Scholarly Association for the Study of Haitian Vodou.
Taleah Pierre-Louis (She/Her) Manbo Vante’m Pa Fye M, a Priestess, Black Feminist, and Human Rights Advocate. A Boston College graduate in Applied Psychology and Human Development and African Studies, she previously worked with the Haitian Studies Association, the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti, KOSANBA, and the Haitian Bridge Alliance.