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Encyclopedia of African Religion

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Encyclopedia of African Religion

Molefi Kete Asante & Ama Mazama

Pub. date: 2009 | Online Pub. Date: January 26, 2009 | DOI: 10.4135/9781412964623 | Print ISBN: 9781412936361 | Online ISBN: 9781412964623| Publisher:SAGE Publications, Inc.

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Vèvè

Ama Mazama

Vèvè are the geometrical drawings that represent the lwa, that is, the Haitian deities of Vodu. Each lwa has its own emblem, and vèvè are therefore numerous and varied, yet somewhat predictable: The central elements are a heart for Ezili Freda, the lwa of femininity and love; two snakes, for the cosmic snakes, Danbala-Wedo and his wife Aida-Wedo; a boat for Agwe, the lwa of the sea; a cutlass (sabre) for Ogu, the lwa of war; a cross for Papa Legba, the guardian of crossroads, and so on. Vévé can be quite elaborate or simple. They are drawn on the (Earth) floor of the peristyle (Vodu temple) using cornmeal or ...

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