Priestess Marie Maude Evans
14.75" x 4.56" x 4.64"
375 mm x 115.77 mm x 117.96 mm
This asson is used in a ritual setting, but does not belong to one specific Iwa. Therefore, this asson is decorated with the colors of various lwa (divinities). The beads used are made of glass and are imports from India. These beads are very rare and highly sought after. Therefore, any asson that includes such beads is considered special. Each bead number and color combination represents a different lwa. Some of the lwa represented on this asson are: Ezili (deep blue), Dambalah (white), Kouzen, or Azaka (yellow), Freda (pink), and Legba (black and red). The preparation of the asson includes rubbing its gourd body with red palm oil and cinnamon which gives the gourd a beautiful patino.
Contact
Sacred Arts of the Black Atlantic Project, Duke University
Box 90091
Durham, NC 27708
Email
jm217@duke.edu