veves

Veves are symbolic drawings used in Haitian Vodou and related Afro-Caribbean religious traditions. They function as sigils or signatures of the loa (spirits) and are believed to invite the presence of a specific spirit during rituals. Veves are created in ceremony spaces and can be found in the Haitian homeland as well as in the Caribbean diaspora, including Louisiana Voodoo, where different houses or lineages may emphasize distinct symbols.

In practice, veves are drawn on the ground with powders such as cornmeal, flour, sugar, coffee, or ash. The drawing is typically executed with a stylus, finger, or stick, and is accompanied by invocations, songs, and offerings. Each veve features specific motifs—circles, lines, crosses, plants, or animal symbols—that identify the corresponding loa. The veve is believed to guide the spirit to the space, after which ritual activities such as drumming, dancing, and ritual offerings may take place. The performance of a veve is often conducted by initiated practitioners who attend to the ceremonial rhythm and the relationship with the loa.

Significance: Veves organize ritual space, convey the identity of a loa, and serve as a focal point for spiritual communication. They reflect a distributed repertoire across communities and lineages, with variations in form and emphasis. In addition to their devotional function, veves have attracted scholarly and artistic interest, highlighting the symbolic language of Haitian Vodou while also featuring in museums and academic writings.