Showcasing the art and ritual of the African and African-diaspora religions

Haitian Sacred Rattle (Asson) with Snake Bones

Catalog Number: A030

Maker:

Priestess Marie Maude Evans

Dimensions:

14.75" x 4.56" x 4.64"

 

375 mm x 115.77 mm x 117.96 mm

Country of Origin: United States
Ethnographic Origin: Haitian
Materials: Glass
Usage: N/A
Detailed Description of Significance:

 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.