Haitian

Murat Brierre

Haiti 1938-1988
Ogou 73.0012

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Ogou names a family of warrior or military spirits reshaped or derived from a West African deity. The senior member of this brotherhood of military spirits is Sen Jak/St. Jacques/St.James/Santiago), who is usually depicted astride a horse wielding a sword. Traditionally, Ogou fights for justice but his temper gets him into trouble and he must often be calmed. This lwa (spirit) has dominion over all things iron, including vehicles on the road. He is associated with healing and fertility and is one of the husbands of Ezili. Brièrre's depiction of this warrior spirit includes the metamorphosis into or from a winged and clawed creature. The clawed feet may refer to the traditional sacrifice of a chicken in certain vodou ceremonies.

 

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