Galerie Bonheur presents a collection of fine Haitian Voodoo flags. These unique textiles are meticulously made with sequins and beads by Haitian artists, following a long time tradition of beaded artwork in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Each of these original works of art is different and symbolic of the spirituality of the Haitian people. The flags or “banners” as they are also called, sparkle and shine when hung on a wall or made into a pillow. Truly colorful and singular artworks.
From “Masterpieces of Haitian Art: Seven Decades of Unique Visual Heritage” by Candice Russell. Schiffer Publications Ltd, 2013
Vodou Flags:
Hand-sewn squares of cloth with sequins and beads express belief in a pantheon of spirits or Iwas guiding every aspect of life. Voodoo flags are ceremonial artifacts, but for people outside of Haiti they are more than ethnographic relics; they are contemporary art objects reflecting exceptional skill and mastery of design.
The Vodou religion synthesizes trial beliefs brought to the island from Africa by slaves and the rituals of Roman Catholicism taught by the French during their years of colonization. Voodoo ritual borrows from Catholic liturgy, incorporating, for example, the use of an altar covered with candles and surrounded by pictures of saints. The Vodou flag powerfully embodies the marriage of the two faiths.
Motifs portrayed on flags reflect the personality and likes of the particular spirit, the Iwa, identified by its own scared day, favorite tree, and special colors. Expedience and lack of materials may dictate the use of alternative fabrics and adornments in contradiction to the Iwa’s preference.
Read an article The Hypnotic (And Very Glittery) Beauty Of Haitian Vodou Flags by Priscilla Frank at Huffington Post
Erzulie Voodoo Box in Blue, Red, and Gold
Erzulie Voodoo Bottle with Snake on Blue
Erzulie in Multicolor by Delice
Erzulie Voodoo Bottle in Red by Odolf
Sirene with a Cap by Delice
Erzulie in Orange and Blue by M Delice
Mermaid with Pink Fish by Mireille Delice
Sirene by Mireille Delice
Baron La Croix by Anonymous Artist - The Virgil Young Collection
Sacre Coeur LC - The Virgil Young Collection
Grand Bois by YTM
Spirit in Gold and Red by Anonymous Artist
Erzulie with Snakes 03 by Mireille Delice
Abstract in Purple and Pink by Georges Valris
Three Goddesses by Mireille Delice
Flag of Haiti by M.D.
Guedeh by Myrlande Constant
Mermaid with a Pink Comb by M Delice
Gran Bois with Drums by M. Delice
Erzulie on Lime Green by Georges Valris
Two Women in Colorful Dresses by Georges Valris
Fish and a Boat by M. Delice