The Evolution of Hope

A Wanga, also known as Paket Kongo, is a magical charm packet found in the folk magic practices of Haiti. Wangas are Haitian spiritual objects made by Vodou priests and priestesses (houngans and mambos) during ceremonies. Their name comes from the ancient Kongo Kingdom in Africa, where similar objects called "nikisi Bambi" are found.

A paquet is a collection of magical ingredients - herbs, earth, vegetable matter - wrapped in fabric and decorated with feathers, ribbons and sequins.

Paquet congo are said to have the power of “healing” or activating the loa (Haitian diety. Paquet serves as power objects and is kept on Vodou altars and used in healing ceremonies. They are also used as protective amulets in people’s homes, bringing health, wealth and happiness.

1. Bat Zel Ou (Spread Your Wings)

Bat Zel Ou / Wanga Maternel I: The Pattern to Birth an Ancestor

2. Sonje - Kochon Kreyol Series

Koshon Kreyol

Bat Zel Ou / Wanga Maternel I: The Pattern to Birth an Ancestor

The Creole pig means more than food in Haiti. The Kreyol kochon is one of the country’s most important historical icons; its sacrifice was central to the spiritual ceremony that started the Haitian Revolution in 1791. After Haiti won its independence, the Creole pig became the linchpin not just of Haitian agriculture but of the autonomy, if not the power, of Haitian rural society.

But in the 20th century, Haiti’s corrupt elites—with a big assist from the United States—conspired to eradicate the Creole pig. And in the process, they brought the collapse of the Haitian countryside—and the country itself—in ways we’re seeing today.

The Iowa connection to this narrative, is that scientist at the University of Iowa attempted to replace the slaughter of the Creole pig with Iowan and Canadian pigs. However, the program failed because the foreign pigs could not acclimate to the heat and required special care and food, that rural communities could not access or afford. This began the unraveling of Haiti’s ability to be sustainable.

Bat Zel Ou / Wanga Maternel III: Completing the Birth an Ancestor