Catholic Imagery in Haitian Art

Although the French were expelled from Haiti in 1804, they left their mark. Couplings with slaves brought about mixed-race children called mulattoes, who make up five percent of the population today. French, though spoken only by mulattoes and some middle class Blacks, has been the established native tongue of Haiti until recently, when Kreyol was proclaimed a sister national language by president Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The French also brought Catholicism, which is practiced by most everyone, including those who practice Vodou. Vodouisants also believe in God (Bondyé or Gran Met) and acknowledge the presence of angels (zange). Two of the most beloved lwas are the two Erzulies (Ezili), Freda and Dantò, depicted as a Mulatto and a Black Madonna, respectively. Additionally, Jesus, along with many Catholic saints, is publicly worshiped in multiple religious sayings painted on tap taps, the bustling and colorful trucks that make up the country's public transportation system. As always, art reflects life; and in Haiti, where biblical scenes play as important a role as any other subject found in its art, the same holds true.