André Pierre.
Pantheon Of Voodoo Deities
8ft x 4ft
The Triptych
12ft x 15ft
The first painting depicts a ritual known as “boule zen”, a sort of fire baptism. One must already a mystic to be baptized with this fire which empowers him to heal and to perform miracles as he becomes united with the Guinean spirit. In the center of the painting stands a pot in which to burn the “zen”. On the drum has been placed many ingredients: flour, cocoa, chopped up food in a calabash, a bottle of rum, etc. that will be concocted. The participants want to live in harmony with Guinean Africa, in a mystic sense. It will give them the force which, when found, will shield them from harm. The force is obtained byletting the Guinean spirit enter one body. The center pole represents the tree of freedom, a living symbol of the spirit, Africa. Water is usually thrown at the bottom of the pole before invoking any spirit. The trees are resting places for the spirits which do not dwell in the “hounfor or temple. The “hounfor” remains a gathering place for the different sects. All the mystic functions are performed inside the “peristile”, another word for temple. The “housis” or disciples lead the ritual sitting down. The four people in the background standing and holding marroccos are singers who represent the “manbo” or female houngan who is holding the “ason”. The musicians play an important role. Their music is an integral part of the ceremony. The drum is man’s megaphone. The fire baptism is more than a baptism. It is a form of communication. In the pot, there is also oil for the anointing. “Legbatibon” is the guardian of the gates. The fire represents Christ.
The second painting describes the “marasa” (twins) and drum drum rituals. The drum ritual is intertwined with the “marasa” ritual. Animal sacrifice is part of that ritual. The “marasa” ritual tells the story of two mysteries. The first is the “ogoun” mystery and the second is the “Danmbala” and they walk away together. “Ogoun” is happy. He is singing while carrying a water melon. The spirit mounts him, as they say, and “Danmbala” stands by to help him. The ritual begins under the “peristile” and continues outside where animal sacrifice takes place in honor of the “loan” or divinities. At the bottom of the tree shines a luminous altar, abode of the spirits. Inside the pot, there is a fire, three candles burning for the “marasa” (triplets), the Trinity. The blue “veve” or mystic drawing is the divinity’s signature. The yellow “veve” if for the drums. Once the spirit of “loa” recognizes his or her signature he or she knows he or she is welcome The roots of the tree also symboliz life. Without roots, there is no life. When someone somewhere appears to lose control over his life it is recommended that he find his roots.
The third painting completes the ritual. They are killing “Ogoun’s” cow. The offering is especially for “ogoun” the warrior, the healer. The blood from the cow will be used to mark all the “hounsis”. To the blood will be added sugar, cinnamon, other powders to create a mystic medicine. The mark will help other mystics recognize them whenever they go. The three ladies here again symbolize “Ogoun”.
Bosou Twa Kón 36″w x 24″h
Bosou Twa Kon– In the Catholic Church, it is called St-. Nicholas, father of the triplets. Only God possesses three horns which are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This symbolism of the horns represents also the three kings: Gaspard, Melchior, and Balthazar. Bosou Twa Kon was the first to create magic. His first magic was man. He created man with his own hands and out of the dust of the earth. He gave him life by blowing in his nostrils. Then he said: “Do everything in my name. In my name, everything will be accepted. Everything is dust and shall return to dust.”
Danmbala Wèdo 32″w x 24″h
Danmbala Wèdo – In the Catholic Church, it is equivalent to St. Patrick. He symbolizes water. The rainbow symbolizes the alliance between God and Danmbala. When Danmbala speaks, the seven thunders respond. His right foot is set upon the earth and his left foot is set upon the sea. He draws water from the sea to irrigate the earth. After irrigating the earth, he raises his right hand toward the heavens to praise the Lord who lives forever and who created heaven and earth, the sea and everything that comes to be. There won’t be any universal flood because Danmbala Wedo has the power to close the heavens, to stop the rains, to change water into blood, to send on the world all sorts of plagues whenever the world so deserves.
La Reine Des Forêts 24″w x 48″h
La Reine Des Forêts (The Queen of the Forests) – She is also called Grann Ibo (Granny Ibo). She is St. Suzanne. At her feet there is a water jar that contains seven flags. The seven flags symbolize the seven stars, the seven chandeliers, the seven nations, the seven psalms of penitence. She controls the forest. The earth is therefore monitored by the three kings and the four evangelists who
Kouzen Azaka 24″w x 48″h
Kouzen Azaka (Cousin Azaka), Minister of Agriculture. In the Catholic Church, it is equivalent to St. Isidore who walks with Granny Ibo. He controls agriculture in order for the land to prosper. Whatever is connected with the earth goes through Cousin Azaka. The earth is under his command. Human life is controlled by Azaka.
Letwawa 24″w x 24″h
Letwawa (The Three Kings) – They are Noe’s three sons: Sem, Kam, and Jafeth. After the flood, Kam went to Africa, Sem to Asia, and Jafeth to Australia. All this happened before Christ came. Those three spirits are the Executor, the Sender, and the Inspirer. The three spirits refer to the Guinean triplets. There were no spirits before them; there will be none after them.
Marasa Guinen 8″w x 10″h
Marasa Guinen – The cross represents God. The triplets at God’s feet represent the work of the angels. The calabash tree makes the calabash with the power within. One commands the heavens, one the earth, and the other the sea. All three are at God’s feet. They symbolize the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit which summon all the saints to come and adore those three divinities. Marasa Guinen asks them to bless, glorify, and to love the Eternal God forever. Amen
Ogoun Achade 16″w x 34″h
Ogoun Achade – In the Catholic Church, it is called St. Barthol. He is the leading force of Christianity. He is Jesus’ cousin, the son of Elizabeth. the spirit of war, the healing spirit, the spirit of strength that helps men in every battle, that protects men from all danger. He is a good magician, a good leaf doctor.
La Reine Congo 36″w x 24″h
La Reine Congo (The Congo Queen) – She is the spirit of joy who walks with Simbi. She is a lady who likes to be beautiful, happy, and loving. She is also a jealous queen. She is full of strength and likes to be praised. She wants to do good and she likes to be complimented. When she helps mankind, she does it well as to be praised, as to be loved. She helps mankind in every aspect of life.
Ogoun Achade 24″w x 16″h
Maitre Ogoun Feraille (Met Ogoun Feray) – In the Catholic Church, it is equivalent to St. Georges. Ogoun is the War Lord; the Iron God. Anything that has to do with metal, particularly iron, concerns him.
Miss Erzulie Freda 24″w x 30″h
Miss Erzulie Freda – (Lady Erzulie Freda), the loving spirit (Mater Dolorosa). She is the spirit which accompanied Jesus all the way to Golgotha. She is a dominating spirit influencing mankind. She helps mankind a lot. She brings luck and abundance.
Agarou Tonnerre 23.5″w x 30″h
Agarou Tonnerre (Agawou Tonnè) – The spirit of thunder. When Danmbala speaks, the spirit of thunder answers. That is why when it rains with thunder there is no danger. But when it rains and there is no thunder, there is danger. During a hurricane, there usually is no thunder. If during a hurricane one hears thunder, one should kneel and praise the Lord that it is all over.
The Three Spirits 36″w x 24″h
The Three Spirits – Danmbala, Erzulie Freda, and Ogoun Balendjo. They are traveling all over the world visiting remote places.
Ceremonie Tambour 24″w x 48″h
Ceremonie Tambour (Seremoni Tanbou), (The Drum Ritual). It was with this (Symbolic) drum that Haitians freed themselves and arrived at Independence. It climbed hill after hill in battle. It was fired upon so that Haitians could be free. The drum cried: “I will survive.”
Retour Des Esprits Guinen 48″w x 24″h
Retour Des Esprits Guinen – After the War of Independence, the Guinen spirits returned to Africa led by the star of the Mesiah, the Holy Cross, the lion of Judas’ tribe, the roots of David.
Kafou Boumba 24″w x 36″h
Kafou Boumba (The Spirit of the Crossroads) – Before one goes into a cemetery, one meets it. Before entering one’s house, one meets it. That is why if a trap has been set at the crossroad, wherever one is, one will be struck because there is only one command, not two.
Guede Mazaka 16″w x 20″h
Guede Mazaka – He is the magician; the overseer of the cemetery; the wanderer.
Baron Samdi 20″w x 24″h
Baron Samdi (Bawon Samdi) – I is the supreme judge of the earth; judge of the living and of the dead. Everybody must see the Baron (St. Gerard) to whom God said: “Whatever you tie on the earth will be tied before me. Whatever you untie on the earth will be untied before me.”
Grande Brigitte Lacroix 24″w x 20″h
Grande Brigitte Lacroix – In the Catholic Church, she is called St. Ann. She is the mother of Marie who wiped Jesus’s face as he was carrying the cross on the way to Golgotha. The face of Jesus remained on the cloth. The rooster symbolizes Peter’s betrayal.
Baron Samdi 36″w x 24″h
Les Trois Esprits Du Cimetière (The Three Spirits of the Cemetery) – The Baron, Brigitte, and Guede – these three figures control the cemetery. Baron is the judge, Guede is the Baron’s assistant, and Brigitte is the queen of the cemetery.
Danmbala Wèdo 48″w x 24″h
Danmbala Wèdo – He is in the water. He is going through a ritual offered in his honor. With him are Laplas, the sword carrier, and two flag carriers. The carriers are hounsi or voodoo disciples. A mambo (voodoo priestess) is holding an ason. (The ason is like a magic wand that serves to invoke the spirits). The area is impregnated with mysticism. The water is controlled by Danmbala who will form a river to irrigate the plain.
Danmbala Wèdo 20″w x 16″h
Danmbala Wèdo – In this painting, Danmbala is shown walking with his fish and his duck. The snake is at his feet. The water flowing at his feet will become a river.
Agwe 12″w x 16″h
Agwe – Agwe is the protector of all sailors, of every ship, big or small. It is every ship’s captain. It owns a green “pawoket” fish. This fish goes back to the time when Christ was preaching about the kingdom of God and Herod was king. King Herod called Peter and told him to ask Jesus to pay taxes. Peter reported the matter to Jesus who asked him to walk along the seashore where he would find a green “pawoket” fish. Jesus asked Peter to kill that fish, to cut it open, and to remove two coins to Herod, one for Jesus, one for himself. We are thus reminded of Jesus’s words: “Give to Caesar what is to Caesar and to God what is to God.” Or in different words, “Give the earth what is to the earth, and to the sky what is to the sky.” Since then Peter had dominion over the sea.
Danmbala Wèdo 30″w x 24″h
Danmbala Wèdo – It is in a water basin with a lamb. The lamb symbolizes life. The lamb signifies the acceptance of animal sacrifice and the abhorrence of human sacrifice. Human sacrifice is in-acceptable. Danmbala in its basin means it is a special basin with a sacred palm tree (every mystic basin has its palm tree). The palm tree is a sacred seal.
Ibo Balisagne 16″w x 24″h
Ibo Balisagne (Balyann) – This spirit walks around with his machete slung across the back. It will use the machete for clearing underbrush. It is holding a brand to set fire to the underbrush in order to prepare the land for a new plantation.
Maitresse Erzuly Laforet 24″w x 36″h
Maitresse Erzuly Laforet (Mètrès Ezili Laforè) – the lady of the forest. Her main concern is to preserve the forest. She is visiting the forest. She is mother nature.
Kouzen Azaka 20″w x 16″h
Kouzen Azaka – This spirit is on its way to its sanctuary where he will find nourishment. Disciples of Azaka have prepared the food. They invited Azaka after having performed the religious rites.
Kouzen Ak Kouzen Azaka 36″w x 24″h
Kouzen Ak Kouzen Azaka (male and female Azaka) – There is a big ceremony. Each one has a “kwi” or plate under the arm pit. The ceremony is taking place at their sanctuary. They light a fire in order to fulfill their duty which consists of taking the offerings with grace and thanks. It is something that will always benefit a worshiper.
Zaka Mede 16″w x 24″h
Zaka Mede – This spirit walks in its garden then goes home to put on its work clothes and to return to the garden.
Nanchon Congo 32″w x 24″h
Nanchon Congo – She is here for the whole world. Her color is yellow. She will triumph. She also wears green and white, symbols of hope and innocence. She is the symbol of the love that unites mankind. Whoever wants to be praised for a good deed is a Congo.
La Reine Congo 32″w x 24″h
La Reine Congo (the Congo Queen) – She is wearing a multicolored dress. She is The symbol of happiness, love, joy. It is joy for all nations of the world.
Maitre Ogoun Achade 24″w x 36″h
Maitre Ogoun Achade – This spirit works powerful magic. It is powerful as to protect mankind in every aspect of life. It is also the protector of children. It likes cockfights. Wherever Ogoun Achade is there can be no evil.
Maitre Ogoun Achade 24″w x 32″h
Maitre Ogoun Achade – As the first rooster crows Ogoun Achade puts on his hat, picks up his cane, his rosary beads, his book, and starts traveling. Wherever he is, children don’t die, pregnant women don’t die, but instead give birth easily.
Ogoun Batagry 12.5″w x 17″h
Ogoun Batagry – This spirit drinks a lot. It is a warrior. It is always fighting. It is a good spirit, a strong spirit. It drinks but is never drunk. It is wounded but there is no blood stains on its clothes.
Kafou Boumba 24″w x 20″h
Kafou Boumba (Kafou Gwo Wòch/ Kafou Gwo Chodyè) – spirit of the crossroads. Wherever you come from, you must get to the crossroads. If they are looking for you, the crossroads will give you away. At the crossroads you must stop to think. The crossroad is a meeting place.
BAWON LAKWA 48″w x 60″h
BAWON LAKWA OR THE LAST CROSSING – This painting tells the story of Christ’s last day on earth after thirty three years. It is terribly important for it symbolizes the end of a world, death, the dawn of a new age. It could also be called the way to the cross as we are asked to remember his tribulations through the visualisation of different elements like the cross, ladder, spear, crown of thorns, chalice and rouster. The man standing near the tomb is BAWON LAKWA. In voodoo it is a deity; it is worshipped as such. He symbolizes the way, the renewal of life. The hat on top of the cross is a sign of respect as we take it of before higher authority. The smiling face represents Christ’s compassion,forgiveness for mankind’s lack of understanding. At the Bawon’s feet one notices his veve or signature. Further down is portrayed a lady named BRIGITTE LAKWA. She represencs Marie, mother of Christ. She is carrying food, symbol of abundance. NeSt to her stands GUEDE NIBO or death itself. He is the messenger telling us to prepare ourselves for death. The pipe and tobacco are significant. The pipe is the incense burner and the tobacco the incense to perfume the dead. Tobacco was placed on a person’s body as they believe it would slown down the process of decomposition. The color purple is a sign of mourning, death and sorrow. All guedes wear purple and black. Guede means spirit of the dead. The \rev& with the heart at the center and the cross on top is Brigitte Lakwa’s signature. The cross reminds us of the sufferind of Christ and the heart the deep love that pushed him to-die for mankind. Another important character is BAWON SAMDI, supreme judge of the earth. He has power over life and death. He is carrying the book of life. The cane is a symbol of power to fight away evil. GUEDE MAZAKA works with Bawon. The rolled up pants represent the search for truth. The musicians complete the painting. They are disciples. The lady carryingthe bell is a priestess or manbo.
She is greeting all the spirits in the name of Bawon. The water she is pouring on the ground is also a symbol of life. It brings the spirit to life. Water sustains life. All this life is inlaid with nature, again, a symbol of the diversity of life.
Pantheon Of Voodoo Deities 4’w x 8’h
Pantheon Of Voodoo Deities
Bossou Twa Kòn 6’w x 4’h
Bossou Twa Kòn – a great spirit; a spirit of wisdom; a spirit of Tire; a good and perfect spirit, creator and preservator of all things. A spirit that has done everything. A king among other spirits. Bossou Twa Kòn or Marasa Twa, the twins. Bossou Twa Kòn is St. Nicholas mirror of justice who controlled the four corners of the world in honor of all angels and all things. Bossou Twa Kòn is a trinity of spirits that command the earth, the sky and the sea. In the Catholic Church, it is represented by St. Paul, St. Jude and St. Peter. That is why one must think about these three spirits. They are the father, the son, and the holy spirit. That is why Marasa Twa, Bossou Twa Kòn is the spirit of wisdom; the powerful spirit, not an empty barrel. It is the invisible spirit that cannot be seen, cannot be touched, cannot be smelled. To understand Bossou Twa Kòn you must serve mankind, and love others.
Grann Ayizan Avelekete 24″w x 30″h
Grann Ayizan Avelekete – It is a spirit that appeared after the universal flood during Noah’s time. After 40 rainy days and nights, the first generation had perished. Noah wanted to know if land was in sight. Since he had a pair of every animal on earth he wanted to let both animals and people go free. So, first he sent out a crow. Three days passed, and the crow did not return. Therefore, he waited two more weeks and sent another crow. This time the crow returned carrying a small branch of an olive tree which indicates that land was near. The crow was an old lady, Grann Ayizan Avilekete. During any mystic ritual, the first spirit one should invoke is Grann Ayizan Avelekete. It is symbolized by the first leaf brought back by the crow. The first leaf is going to open the door for all the spirits. Whatever you are, people, animals, it is Grann Avelekete that is going to open, to show the way to everybody. She represents the earth. She is the symbol of life after the universal flood. It is the spirit that opened the arch to let everybody, every animal go free. Having freed everybody, she went ahead in front and started singing: “Oh Avelekete, we will go, we will go to the land of our brothers. We will go look for our relatives, oh Avelekete! We will go to the land of our brothers. We will go look for our family, oh Avelekete’ You are our mother. You are the only one who can free us, oh Avelekete! You are our mother. You will save us.” Only in the mystic ritual, only at a voodoo celebration that you can truly know your family; you can truly know your origin. In Haiti too, when you see mystic people worshiping voodooitis according to their own personal culture, similarly in different countries, people give a different name for voodoo according to their own culture. It is in the name chosen that people will be able to recognize their own family. It is at a mystic ritual that all the families are represented. It is then that the smaller spirits are introduced to the older spirits of the family. Generation after generation that’s how you truly learn about your family. In Haiti it is through voodoo that Haitians can identify, recognize their families. Thanks to Grann Ayizan Avelekete.
Mètrès Lasirèn 24″w x 30″h
Mètrès Lasirèn – She is the patron saint-of all musicians. Mètrès Lasirèn is half fish, half human, She is the queen of the sea. She has her own music, and she dwells in the depth of the sea. It is a spirit that brings luck and money because the sea is a very rich place. If you want to serve Mètrès Lasiren, you have to build some kind of a pool or a basin for her. She must have her own sanctuary. You must have a special date to receive her, to come into contact with her. You must greet her personally and share with her in whatever you are offering her. This is the sea spirit that accompanies another spirit called Agwe. She is the traveling spirit. As you go through her kingdom, you must have on board an orchestra to play music for her. But where she dwells, she too has an orchestra that plays music, and her music is so fine, so melodious that you have to put cotton in your ears in order not to listen to the music. So that you can go your own way as Mètrès Lasiren is listening to your music. But if you do not put cotton in your ears, her music will cause you to slow down and your boat will perish. You will be attacked you and your boat will perish. There is a song about Mètrès Lasirèn:
“I walk at night. I have no luck. Oh, Mètrès Lasiren, something bad has happened to me; my only child, oh, mother Lasirèn, my only child, Oh mother Lasirèn. I am calling Mètrès Lasirèn.
Agawou Tonèr 12″w x 24″h
Agawou Tonèr – This spirit controls thunder and lightning. It walks with water, with fire, with all the elements. Whenever there is a hurricane, a rain storm and you do not hear thunder, then you know that there is something wrong. You are not at peace. You don’t really know what to expect. But whenever there is a hurricane and you hear thunder, you know you need not worry. Similarly, if it is raining hard, pouring, and you hear thunder, you know it is going to be over soon. There is no danger. But if it is raining hard, and you don’t hear thunder, and you don’t hear the rooster, then you can be sure you are going to suffer. But if you hear thunder, you can kneel down and thank God for helping. The hurricane doesn’t come from above, but from It is controlled by the earthly spirits that communicate the heavenly spirits. Agawou Tonèr is the spirit of thunder, the spirit of the flood. It walks with Danmbala. When Danmbala speaks, it is Agawou that answers Danmbala. They walk together, They work together. They sign the same contracts. Agawou Tonèr holds the sword with his left hand. He uses it to attract thunder and lightning. He also represents the lightening rod. The thunder, the lightening flows down through the sword in his left hand, passes through his body and goes to the ground through the sword that is his right hand.
Oggun Balendjo 24″w x 29.5″h
Oggun Balendjo is a sea spirit. It is also a warrior. It is a ship’s captain that exists to lead all water spirits: Agwe, Ezili, Agawou, Dambala, Grann Metres Lasiren. It is the captain of the ship called Imamou. The work means carrier of all sea spirits. Ogoun Balendjo is the protector of all ships that navigate on waters or under water. It is S. Jacques the Major. It is the spirit that doesn’t know fear. It is a spirit that has been appointed by God.
Ezili Dantòr 24″w x 29.5″h
Ezili Dantòr – Queen of the Angels; Queen of the Souls of Purgatory; Queen of the Heavens; Queen of the Earth. It is a woman who carried the creator of the universe. That is why Virgin Mary is not a common woman. Ezili Dantor is Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, mater salvatoris that is mother of the savior, mother of Christ, mother of all nations, protector of all mankind. She gave Haiti its independence. She gave all other nations their independence. She is everywhere in the universe. Ezili Dantòr is a great lady. If you respect her, if you love her, she will also love you. She will give you protection in whatever you do. She is a force for mankind. She inhabits the forest, because the trees are pure. She can’t inhabit human houses because they are not pure. They are built by man. The song says: “I will show you my house because I live in the woods.”
Oggun Balendjo 24″w x 29.5″h
Oggun Balendjo is a sea spirit. It is also a warrior. It is a ship’s captain that exists to lead all water spirits: Agwe, Ezili, Agawou, Dambala, Grann Metres Lasiren. It is the captain of the ship called Imamou. The work means carrier of all sea spirits. Ogoun Balendjo is the protector of all ships that navigate on waters or under water. It is S. Jacques the Major. It is the spirit that doesn’t know fear. It is a spirit that has been appointed by God.
Ezili Dantòr 24″w x 29.5″h
Ezili Dantòr – Queen of the Angels; Queen of the Souls of Purgatory; Queen of the Heavens; Queen of the Earth. It is a woman who carried the creator of the universe. That is why Virgin Mary is not a common woman. Ezili Dantor is Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, mater salvatoris that is mother of the savior, mother of Christ, mother of all nations, protector of all mankind. She gave Haiti its independence. She gave all other nations their independence. She is everywhere in the universe. Ezili Dantòr is a great lady. If you respect her, if you love her, she will also love you. She will give you protection in whatever you do. She is a force for mankind. She inhabits the forest, because the trees are pure. She can’t inhabit human houses because they are not pure. They are built by man. The song says: “I will show you my house because I live in the woods.”
Oggun Balendjo 24″w x 29.5″h
Oggun Balendjo is a sea spirit. It is also a warrior. It is a ship’s captain that exists to lead all water spirits: Agwe, Ezili, Agawou, Dambala, Grann Metres Lasiren. It is the captain of the ship called Imamou. The work means carrier of all sea spirits. Ogoun Balendjo is the protector of all ships that navigate on waters or under water. It is S. Jacques the Major. It is the spirit that doesn’t know fear. It is a spirit that has been appointed by God.
Oggun Balendjo 24″w x 29.5″h
Oggun Balendjo is a sea spirit. It is also a warrior. It is a ship’s captain that exists to lead all water spirits: Agwe, Ezili, Agawou, Dambala, Grann Metres Lasiren. It is the captain of the ship called Imamou. The work means carrier of all sea spirits. Ogoun Balendjo is the protector of all ships that navigate on waters or under water. It is S. Jacques the Major. It is the spirit that doesn’t know fear. It is a spirit that has been appointed by God.
Ezili Dantòr 24″w x 29.5″h
Ezili Dantòr – Queen of the Angels; Queen of the Souls of Purgatory; Queen of the Heavens; Queen of the Earth. It is a woman who carried the creator of the universe. That is why Virgin Mary is not a common woman. Ezili Dantor is Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, mater salvatoris that is mother of the savior, mother of Christ, mother of all nations, protector of all mankind. She gave Haiti its independence. She gave all other nations their independence. She is everywhere in the universe. Ezili Dantòr is a great lady. If you respect her, if you love her, she will also love you. She will give you protection in whatever you do. She is a force for mankind. She inhabits the forest, because the trees are pure. She can’t inhabit human houses because they are not pure. They are built by man. The song says: “I will show you my house because I live in the woods.”