Type: Oil painting Original size:30 x 46 in (76 x 117 cm)
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The Vodun is a traditional religion developed by the people of the West African cost from Nigeria to Ghana. Here, the Yoruba people from Nigeria are about to perform a Vodun ceremony. Among the many legends about the origins of the Yoruba people, there is one that says that the Yoruba people come from a line of seven princes who were said to be the “Olodumare” or the sons of God; the people call on their spirits to get access to God. Before the Vodun ceremony there is a preparation ceremony for the people being initiated to the religion that takes place in a ‘holy” forest. During the ceremony lots of dancing, singing and screaming takes place as the “power” of the creator descends on the people.
Every tribe has its own spiritual ancestor which was one of the seven godly princes; they all have different garments that praise the ancestor in question. The new comers have to keep either theirs shoulders or their heads uncovered so that they might receive the vodum (spirits) that will descend from heaven. There are no age requirements for the initiation; those who have been there longer take the new members under their wings to teach them further Vodum traditions.
When the European settlers were exposed to the practice, they were afraid and labeled it as black magic. The fear of theses rituals has remained with people today even on the African continent where it is associated with witch craft. This religion has also evolved and has been adapted and adopted in some other parts of the world and is more commonly known as Voodoo.
In all Africa, nature, ancestors, and gods have shaped the cultures of many generations; to this day though many “modern” people would deny it, the “ancient” beliefs still drive many decisions among the African people.
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