Vodoun’s influence on the World’s spirituality

7/30/2019 Vodouns influence on the Worlds spirituality

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Vodouns influence on the Worlds

spirituality, priesthood and ShamanismStools, Bird feathers, dance, drumming, Totems, housing

When you hear the word "shamanism," what imagesjiffy-pop into your mind's eye? Most folks picturefeather headdresses, buffalo hides, medicine wheels

and dream-catchersall images associated withNative American cultures. But contrary to popularopinion, a "shaman" is not an Indian medicine man,and "shamanism" is not solely a Native Americantradition. In fact, many Native Americans find theterms "shaman" and "shamanism" offensive. Theword "shaman" actually originates among the nativesof Siberia, where it describes a specialized type of

holy person. The original practice was started withthe Vodoun tradition and has been passed on to alldecendants of black people world wide. Life andspirituality started with Hu and Yewe and has spreadaround the world. All medicine men , spiritualhealers, Sangomas, use virtually the same practices.

The use of ceremonial stools and feathers have thereorigins in Vodoun ceremony and Chieftency andhave become Universal

Traditional priests from Africa to Siberia iand allaround the world interact with deities and spirits notonly with ritual and offerings, but also through directcontact with the spirits themselves. With the aid of


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rhythmic drumming and chanting, the priest enters avery deep or "ecstatic" trance. (In discussions ofshamanism, the word "ecstasy" is used in its originalsense, from the Greek roots exand histanai meaning

"out of place" or "out of the physicalin other wordsan out-of-body mystical state) This trance frees thepriests consciousness from the body, allowing it to"fly" into the realms the spirits inhabit, and toexperience these "Other worlds" with all the sensesof the ordinary physical realm. Yet, priestly orshamanic journeys are more than mysticalencounters with spirits; priests undertake trance-

journeys for practical purposes, in service to theircommunity.

The Golden StoolAs a symbol of nationhood, containing the SumSun or Soul of Ashanti (Asante), theGolden Stool is considered to be so sacred that no person whatsoever is allowed tosit upon it. It is kept with the strictest security and precaution; and is taken outsideonly on exceptionally grand occasions. Never must it come in contact with the earthor the ground. It is always lying on its own stool or on the skin of an animal such asthe leopard. The Golden Stool was not a kingly throne, but the resting-place of the

nation's soul.


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Ashanti Ceremonial stool of Ghana

Makonde (Wamakonde), Tanzania and Mozambique


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Ceremonial Stool. The Makonde numbering 500,000 are a matrilineal

people who are located on both sides of the Ruvuma River, which forms the

border between Tanzania and Mozambique. In the traditional homelands of

the Makonde the primary source of food comes from slash and burn

farming. Crops include maize, sorghum, and cassava. This is often

supplemented by hunting. Important decisions are made by a chief supported

by a council. Clan members meet only for the ancestral cult and to celebrate

initiations. The Makonde believe in a world of ancestor spirits and in

malevolent spirits who make an appearance during the ceremonies that close

initiation rites; these rites are deemed very important. The stools of this type

are used in various ceremonies, in particular in initiation rites.

Material: wood, beads, metal

Size: H. 8 , Diameter 8

Ceremonial stool with two caryatids N. Luba, Maniema, Congo


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The Cacique was the head of an American Indian Arawak society and

below him were graded ranks down to the commoners. Cacique was ahereditary title which was passed from father to son. It was unlike a

Cacique would have no heir as he was allowed many wives, althoughthe Arawaks were monogamous by custom. If he died without a son

the title passed to the eldest son of his eldest sister.

The Cacique was more of a ceremonial ruler than a law maker. Hedealt with the distribution of land, the ordering of labor on the land

and the planting and distribution of crops. He made decisions of peace

and war and was the leader in war but he made few laws and the


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X38. Old stool. Keram river.Height: 13 ins. 33 cms. Cambodia


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Cambodia

Above: American Indian


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American Indian


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Below: Inca Ceremonial Stool


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Above: Chinese Pray stool


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CEREMONIAL STOOL BIRD-EFFIGY METATE

Costa Rica, Atlantic watershed. A.D. 300-700

Carved volcanic stone.L. 77.5 cm. (30"). Ht. 38 cm. (15")

[P] 91.142.0.1

Digital ID# kc0060 Justin K

Duho (Ceremonial wooden stool)Hispaniola. Taino, A.D. 1000-1500

Carved lignum vitae

Jay I. Kislak Collection

Ceremonial Wooden Stool

Preserved pre-Columbian duhos (ceremonial wooden stools) from the Caribbean region

are exceedingly rare, because they are usually found only in dry highland caves. There

are two basic types: low horizontal forms with concave seats such as this one and stoolswith long curved backrests. Scholars differ as to the function of the stools. Some believe

they represented seats of authority. Others think they served as altars for votive offerings.

Still others argue that the Taino peoples used them as ceremonial trays for making

"cohoba," a hallucinogenic snuff prepared for shamanistic rituals.

Ceremonial feathers
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/kislak/images/kc0060s.jpghttp://www.loc.gov/exhibits/kislak/images/kc0020s.jpghttp://www.loc.gov/exhibits/kislak/images/kc0060s.jpghttp://www.loc.gov/exhibits/kislak/images/kc0020s.jpg


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Seminole Indians of Florida USA


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NAVAHO Nation
http://www.galenfrysinger.com/elderhostel_-_canyon_de_chelly.htmhttp://www.galenfrysinger.com/elderhostel_-_canyon_de_chelly.htm


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American Indian Traditional/ Ceremonial Feathers

American Indian


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Kenya

Ivory Coast Africa


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Maya

New Guinea


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More Photos from PAPUA NEW GUINEA
http://www.galenfrysinger.com/papua_new_guinea.htmhttp://www.galenfrysinger.com/papua_new_guinea.htm


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Yao'An people with pheasant feathers..


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"The prince of the lilies", with pheasant feathers. Wall-painting ofCnossos about 1,600 BC in the Herakleion Museum. Remake as in 1,600 BCall Greeks were black.

A Prince on his chariot.

American Hopi

Indian (cliff Dwelling) Pueblo


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Hopi Indians of America

Dogon (pueblo of Mali Africa


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Mali Africa


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Mali Africa


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Mali Africa

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Vodoun’s influence on the World’s spirituality