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A symmetrical drawing traced on the ground in powder.
Also known as: Veve, Vodou ground drawing, Lwa symbol, Powder drawing on the ground
A vèvè is a ground drawing made in cornmeal or ash to call a particular lwa in Haitian Vodou, and each lwa has its own. It is functional rather than decorative — it is made for a ceremony and destroyed in the course of it.
Denotes a ritual ground drawing in Haitian Vodou, traced in cornmeal, ash or coffee grounds to invoke a particular lwa.
Contexts: History
Is specific to the spirit it calls: each lwa has its own vèvè, and the design identifies which is being addressed.
Contexts: History
Is made for a ceremony and destroyed during it, so the drawing is an act rather than an artefact.
Contexts: History
Incorporates elements from Kongo, Dahomean and Catholic sources, reflecting the religion's formation under slavery in Saint-Domingue.
Contexts: History
A symmetrical linear design of crosses, hearts, stars, ships or serpents traced in fine white or pale powder on a dark earth floor.