Vèvès, Ritual Symbols
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The following Vèvès have been compiled, studied and drawn by Estelle Manuel. They are part of the monumental work that was inspired by her years as a member of the society of "Le Péristyle de Mariani".
Nowadays it is enough to display a vèvè to indicate a link to Vodoun culture. Ironically this sacred writing was not meant for illustration. 

A vèvé is impermanent : it is made of powder, drawn horizontally from the pinched fingers of a skilled practitionner standing spread legged, meant for a specific spirit invoked during a specific ceremony. Having served its purpose, it is erased without a thought by the succeding dancers. 

It is the "access code" of a specific lwa and, more than its purported artistic qualities, what makes a good vèvè are the minute details that are a true language to the initiated. Yet this science is in danger. 

To reproduce a vèvè from a book or a website discourages the traditional art of vèvè tracing.

This why we tried not to simply copy vèvès made of powder. We can all draw inspiration from this rich body of signs without forgetting that the true ritual meaning of a vèvè is to be drawn flat on the ground by a practionner that has received the tradition in a oumfo..

  • Click on any vèvè and you'll see a larger image
  • Click on the Lwa name and you'll see more details on his family, langay, colors etc.
Click for Agaou vèvè Click for Agwé Woyo Médé vèvè Click for Agasou vèvè
Agaou Comblé   Mèt Agwé   Agasou
Click for Bawon Simityè vèvè Click for Djobolo Bosou vèvè Click for Danbala Laflanbo vèvè
Bawon   Djobolo Bosou Danbala Laflanbo
Click for Granbwa vèvè Click for Mèt Kalfou vèvè Click for Wangol vèvè
Granbwa Ilé   Mèt Kalfou   Wangol
Click for Lenglensou Basen San vèvè Click for Kouzen Zaka vèvè Click for Loko vèvè
Lenglensou  Kouzen Zaka   Loko
Click for Abikou Click for Nago vèvè Click for Ogoun vèvè
Kongo   Nago   Papa Ogou
Click for Belekou vèvè Click for Agwe Lengi vèvè Click for Métrès Ezili Fréda Dawonmen vèvè
Belekou   Agwe   Métrès Ezili

 

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