Vodou Flags

Vodou flags (or drapos) are traditionally used to decorate the site where a ceremony is held. They are also draped across the backs of ceremony participants so that, as they dance, the shimmer produced by the glittering beads, sequins and seed pearls will attract a particular lwa. Traditionally, the elaborate embroidery of Vodou flags was and is still made by Vodou priests (oungans) or priestesses (mambos). However, as these dazzling wall-hangings made the transition from religious ritual works to a highly prized and collectible artform, many artists — both practicing and non-practicing — have come to create flags for the art market. Flags typically feature the physical representation or vévé (symbol), which represents an individual lwa.