Gran Bwa Celebration (Seremoni Gran Bwa)

Serge Francois

Gran Bwa celebration (Seremoni Gran Bwa)

Serge Francois

Haiti Friends Collection

The ceremony depicted here honors Gran Bwa, a revered lwa (spirit) in Haitian Vodou. Gran Bwa, the guardian of forests and master of herbal medicine, is celebrated for his healing powers and role as nature's protector. The artist employs a powerful visual metaphor: the central pathway to a sacred pool, where pilgrims gather, is depicted as a tree trunk. Branching from this trunk are roads leading to various villages, symbolizing Gran Bwa's far-reaching influence and importance in the lives of the people.