| Part ofa series on Vodun related religions called |
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Deities
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Aveve (also spelledvèvè orvevè) is areligious symbol commonly used in different branches ofVodun throughout theAfrican diaspora, such asHaitian Vodou andLouisiana Voodoo. Theveve acts as a "beacon" for thelwa, and will serve as alwa's representation during rituals.[citation needed]
Veves should not be confused with theanaforuanas used inAbakuá, thefirmas used inPalo, nor thepontos riscados used inUmbanda andQuimbanda, as these are separate Afro-American religions.
Possible origins include thecosmogram of theKongo people, or originated as theNsibidi system of writing for theIgboid andEkoid languages fromWest andCentral Africa.[1][2]
According to Milo Rigaud, "Theveves represent figures of the astral forces... In the course of Vodou ceremonies, the reproduction of the astral forces represented by the veves obliges the lwa... to descend to earth."[3]
Everylwa has their own uniqueveve, although regional differences have led to differentveves for the samelwa in some cases. Sacrifices and offerings are usually placed upon them, with food and drink being most commonly used.[4]
In ritual and other formalities,veve is usually drawn on the floor by strewing a powder-like substance, commonlycornmeal,[5] wheat flour, bark, red brick powder, or gunpowder, though the material depends entirely upon the ritual. In Haitian Vodou, a mixture of cornmeal and wood ash is used.[citation needed]
Veves use symbolism to communicate which spirit is being called upon - for example, gatekeeperPapa Legba is invoked with avèvè that features awalking cane, to indicate his jolly grandpa-like demeanor.[5] The illustration also features coded images that reflect the matrilineal and patrilineal culture of the artist, providing information about their ancestral lineage.[5] Offerings will typically be given;[6] inLouisiana Voodoo, this would entail a cup of coffee and/or candies associated with the spirit.[5]
The spirit is generally meant to be invoked in the central cross of theveve.[5]
Veve can be made into screenprint, painting, patchwork, etc., as wall hangings, artworks, and banners.[citation needed]
| African traditional religion- derived systems |  | |
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