Rara Of The Universe Summary

Rara Of The Universe

Vodun Religion and Art in Haiti

Robert Harris Thompson illuminates the philosophy and ancient heritage of the Haitian Vodun religion and art in his writings Rara of the Universe. Thompson goes into detail and elaborates on the spiritual aspects of Haitian Vodum and incorporates his anthropologist, religious and philosophical perspectives. His main focus is the art of the African Diaspora in Haiti. He portrays an exotic appeal of Vodum in Haiti society.

Thompson writes "Vodou is "... one of the signal achievements of people of African descent in the western hemisphere a vibrant, sophisticated synthesis of the traditional religions of Dahoney, Yorubaland, and Kongo with an infusion of Roman Catholicism. What is more, vodun has inspired a remarkable tradition of sacred art". He describes the historical events that shaped the Creole religion with Dahoney, Yorubaland and Kongo religions.

The Creole religion had two parts; Rada and Petro. Rada, as he explains is the "cool" side and Rada is the "hot' side, giving fire the spiritual

healing of evil forces. The synthesis of these classical religions, as Thompson views, portrays many African cultures.
The illustration that Thompson uses helps the reader better understand and appreciate his writings about Vodum and goes into great detail describing the artifacts.

All of the historical information Thompson presents, especially the Kongo and Dahomey, on art and design, offers the reader an understanding of the influences that impacted these religious rituals. Thompson's detail on how the design of vodum alter transformed using ritual objects, giving them power "In Rada shrines, in the area between Port-au-Prince and Leoganc, one often see on single , large, dramatic opening for offerings o food to the spirits in the center of the altar's bottom tier". Thompson inserts a photograph that he took of a Petro table that displays "... a skull, and in front of a bottle - a promise of the power of Petro to render urgent healing." As seen in the photo, there are several ritual objects placed on the

altar.
Vodun flags, as Thompson writes are used for ceremonial activities. Flags are "...Creole variations of a fundamental Kongo theme-nikusa minpa-the ritual agitation or unfurling or "dancing" of the squares of cloth to open the door to other world. Again, Thompson inserts illustrations of these flags for the reader to identify with and the significance of the symbolism that is displayed. Flags are displayed, as Thompson states Madame Romnus told him for "respect" of the Haitians.
Flash of Spirit - Rara of the Universe by Robert Harris Thompson reveals his passion for the Haitians and their art. I find it interesting the history of vodum and the arts in Haiti, especially through the eyes of a African art historian. In Haiti Vodum, as I see it could be one of the richest and misunderstood religions known. I would have to admit I couldn't summarize this chapter any better than Thompson "a rara of the universe, a school of being for all of us".