Ogou Battalah

One aspect or attribute of Ogou that is forgotten in Haitian culture is the Technologist. His association with technology and craftsmanship, particularly metalwork, is a significant aspect of his character. This aspect can be traced back to his ties to iron, which in Haitian Vodou, symbolizes his creative potential and his connection to the physical, practical side of life.

As a technologist, Ogou is seen as a master of tools and the one who brings the knowledge of technology to humanity. This aspect can be interpreted as a symbol of progress and innovation. In this role, he is often portrayed as a blacksmith, a role associated with both the creation of practical tools for everyday life and weapons for protection and warfare. This explains the reason why that most of the technology we use today, such the computer, the internet, GPS, wireless communication come from military research.

What I have observed in Haitian society is a focus on Ogou as warrior (mostly gangster), corrupt politician, and bad boy lover. I don't see much of Ogou the innovator, the engineer, the inventor, the military leader and diplomat, or the visionary man of politics. The epitome of Ogou expressions were found in the Haitian nation founders such Toussaint Louverture as a diplomatic mastermind and military leader, a man Napoleon Bonaparte held in high regard and as an equal; Jean Jacques Dessalines as a brave and mighty warrior; Henri Christophe as the mastermind architect behind the Citadelle Lafferiere, the only African-derived military fortification and one of the largest in the New World designed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982; and master politician Alexandre Pétion, a controversial figure but still a founding father of the Haitian nation.

This Ogou path is the hardest because it requires a lot of studies, training, and hard work. This is the path of innovators, trailblazers, engineers, and leaders in all aspects of life. This is the Ogou Haiti needs today.

- Vodou Renaissance