Snake Gods in the Vodoun ("Voodoo") religion

I just got back from a study-tour in Ghana-Benin. I have been to Ghana roughly 7 times and Benin 3 times. This trip was a bit different in that I was co-supervising students from my place of employment, Winston-Salem State University. I will share some images from the trip as time permits. GI

Vodoun (so-called "Voodoo") [1] python shrine in Ouidah, Benin.

In the Judeo-Christian western world, snakes are often feared and associated with evil. There are a few exceptions to this general rule. For example, there are white American Charismatics (ACs), mostly in the Appalachians region of the American South, who use live snakes during worship. However, there are a few differences between the ACs and Vodoun snake worshipers. First, AC snake handlers use poisonous snakes[2]. Vodoun devotees use non-poisonous python snakes. Second, as I understand it, ACs do not believe in the divinity of snakes. Rather they view the snake's ability of kill worshipers and the worshiper's life or death fate while handling these venomous snakes as a example of Gods power and as literal manifestations of biblical narrative. But in many parts of the world, including some parts of Africa, snakes are revered as divinities (called "Loas" in Vodou), sacred protectors, and admired for their elegant movements. Vodoun devotees and Aboriginal Australians perform dances that mimic snake movements.[3] 

Notes

[1] The more widely known spelling "Voodoo" is considered racist and/or offensive by some Vodoun devotees. Vodoun (there are several alternate spellings) means "spirit" or "God."
[2] In Jesus' Name: Taking Up Serpents

[3] The Vodoun dance is called Yanvalou. See here and here.

see also:

• Does Anthropology Belong to the White Man?
• "Pestilence of Imported Gods" (dap @ usa africa dialogue)
• "Can we be a free people while taking on the values of the people that enslaved us?" (Afrikania religion)

tags: benin, slavery, religion, vodou, vodoo