Azaka

“Kouzen (koo-ZEN) or “cousin,” is a Kreyòl term not only for actual cousins but for anyone considered part of one’s extended family. Azaka (AH-za-ka) is a cousin of every Haitian, particularly those from the country. Kouzin Zaka walks the earth as a farmer, beggar, and vagabond—a Lwa who works with his hands and loves a simple, happy life. At festivals ranging from harvest feasts like Manje Yanm (“eating of yams”) to his feast days, Kouzen and his female counterpart, Kouzin (koo-ZINN), appear in possessions and dispense advice (wanted and unwanted), gossip, loan money and beg, borrow, or steal it. Azaka’s presence is always a time for family and friends to enjoy. We represent him with Saint Isadore of Seville, a man in a dark blue shirt (Azaka wears the denim clothing of a Haitian peasant), carrying a sack on his back. Even Vodouisants who weren’t brought up on a farm or don’t consider themselves “country folk” can learn something from this passionate, joyous Lwa. Many times Azaka will come to a service alongside, or before or after, Gede Lwa due to his being a people’s man and loving all Haitians, living or dead. A childlike version of this Lwa, Ti-Zaka (TEE-za-ka, “Little Zaka”), is also known in some lineages.”

Excerpt from the book: "Haitian Vodou: An Introduction to Haiti's Indigenous Spiritual Tradition" by Mambo Chita Tann