24 Oct Vodou Libation Bottles in Tile Mosaic

All the bottles on this page were inspired by the sequined libation bottles of Haitian Vodou, a standard feature of Vodou altars traditionally used in ceremony to serve rum to the spirits. Libation bottles are often much more plain than the ceremonial flags which have become one of Haiti’s most celebrated cultural exports… but the best examples feature stylized iconography representing the various spirits.

See the table below for titles, measurements and materials used. A couple of the bottles deserve special note—

Libation Bottle for Danthor, 2001 is based on a portion of a temple mural I found in the book Sacred Arts of Haitian Vodou. Danthor is one of the two faces of Erzulie, Vodou goddess of love.

Libation Bottle for Petwo Spirits, 1999 is created from a Pyrex bottle and displays the word Pyrex in the round opening on front. Because the Petwo spirits are known for their fiery disposition, a Pyrex bottle is fitting.

	Libation Bottle for Danthor, 2001 Ceramic tile, glass 10″ H x 10.5″ W x 10.5″ D Private Collection
	Libation Bottle for St. Expedit, 2001 Ceramic mosaic, glass, paper 14″ H x 4.5″ W x 4.5″ Private Collection
	Libation Bottle for Legba, 2002 Ceramic mosaic, glass, paper 14″ H x 4.5″ W x 4.5″ Private Collection
	Libation Bottle for Marinette, 2002 Ceramic mosaic, glass, paper 14″ H x 6″ W x 6″ Private Collection
	Libation Bottle for Erzuli, 2002 Mirror mosaic, glass, beads, paper 16″ H x 5″ W x 5″ Private Collection
	Libation Bottle for Petwo Spirits, 1999 Ceramic mosaic, findings, glass, 14″ H x 6″ W x 6″ Private CollectionBecause the Petwo spirits are known for their fiery disposition, a Pyrex bottle is fitting.
	Libation Bottle for La Siren, 1999 Ceramic mosaic, glass 14″ H x 4.5″ W x 4.5″ Private Collection
	Libation Bottle for Ghede, 1999 Ceramic mosaic, glass 14″ H x 4.5″ W x 4.5″ Private Collection