Petwo
Encyclopedia
The Petwo are a family of loa
(spirits) in Haiti
an Vodou religion. The story is that they originated in Haiti, under the harsh conditions of slavery. The term petwo can also refer to a drum used in the music of Haiti
. An often surprising fact is that this noticeably Taino Amerindian
-influenced branch of Haitian vodou seemingly has no equivalent counterpart on the Africa
n continent, unlike the Rada branch.
and ignited gunpowder. In addition, Petwo drumbeats are swifter and more syncopated than the Rada rhythms. Danto
is considered the "mother" of the Petwo nation and is one of the most important Petwo loa. Where Her sister Freda (a Rada loa) is known for Her softness and gentleness, Danto is known for Her strength. When faced with harsh reality Freda breaks down in tears; Danto's response is an inarticulate shuddering tantrum.
and Petwo. The Rada loa spirits like Damballa
, Erzulie Freda and Papa Legba
-- are said to come from Africa, from the former Dahomean
empire. Many scholars believe that the name "Rada" is a corruption of "Arara," an African port from whence many slave ships were launched. Rada spirits are typically thought to be peaceful or benign.
Some mistakenly refer to the Radah loa as "good" and the Petwo as "evil." This is misleading; the Rada loa can be used to make malevolent magic, while the Petwo can heal and do beneficial workings. They are more accurately referred to as "cool" and "hot," respectively.
created by and for new initiates are made under the watch of the Petwo spirits.
Loa
The Loa are the spirits of the voodoo religion practiced in Louisiana, Haiti, Benin, and other parts of the world. They are also referred to as Mystères and the Invisibles, in which are intermediaries between Bondye —the Creator, who is distant from the world—and humanity...
(spirits) in Haiti
Haiti
Haiti , officially the Republic of Haiti , is a Caribbean country. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Ayiti was the indigenous Taíno or Amerindian name for the island...
an Vodou religion. The story is that they originated in Haiti, under the harsh conditions of slavery. The term petwo can also refer to a drum used in the music of Haiti
Music of Haiti
The music of Haiti is influenced mostly by Europe, colonial ties, and African migration through slavery. European musical influence derived primarily from the French and by the Spanish-infused influence of Cuba and the bordering Dominican Republic. Styles unique to Haiti include music derived from...
. An often surprising fact is that this noticeably Taino Amerindian
Taíno people
The Taínos were pre-Columbian inhabitants of the Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and the northern Lesser Antilles. It is thought that the seafaring Taínos are relatives of the Arawak people of South America...
-influenced branch of Haitian vodou seemingly has no equivalent counterpart on the Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
n continent, unlike the Rada branch.
Story
Their rites feature whip cracking, whistlesWhistles
Whistles is a clothing brand with 40 stores across Britain. It was founded in the early 1980s by Lucille and Richard Lewin.In January 2008, Jane Shepherdson, former Topshop director, signed a deal to purchase a 20 per cent stake in Whistles and was appointed the job of chief executive.-Style:In the...
and ignited gunpowder. In addition, Petwo drumbeats are swifter and more syncopated than the Rada rhythms. Danto
Ezili Dantor
Ezili Dantor or Erzulie D'en Tort is the Petro nation aspect of the Erzulie family of lwa, or spirits in Haitian Vodou. Ezili Dantor is considered to be the lwa of motherhood, single motherhood in particular...
is considered the "mother" of the Petwo nation and is one of the most important Petwo loa. Where Her sister Freda (a Rada loa) is known for Her softness and gentleness, Danto is known for Her strength. When faced with harsh reality Freda breaks down in tears; Danto's response is an inarticulate shuddering tantrum.
Hierarchy
Haitian spirits, or loa, are divided into several "nations." Two of the major nations are the RadaRada loa
-Scope:They include older, beneficent spirits who can be directly traced to Dahomey Vudus of West Africa.-Etymology:"Rada" is a cognate of Arará, and also Yoruba orishas.-Function:...
and Petwo. The Rada loa spirits like Damballa
Damballa
In Vodou, Damballah is one of the most important of all the loa . Damballah is the Sky God and considered the primordial creator of all life. The veve of Damballah comprises two serpents prominent among other emblems.-Family:...
, Erzulie Freda and Papa Legba
Papa Legba
In Haitian Vodou, Papa Legba is the intermediary between the loa and humanity. He stands at a spiritual crossroads and gives permission to speak with the spirits of Guinee, and is believed to speak all human languages...
-- are said to come from Africa, from the former Dahomean
Dahomey
Dahomey was a country in west Africa in what is now the Republic of Benin. The Kingdom of Dahomey was a powerful west African state that was founded in the seventeenth century and survived until 1894. From 1894 until 1960 Dahomey was a part of French West Africa. The independent Republic of Dahomey...
empire. Many scholars believe that the name "Rada" is a corruption of "Arara," an African port from whence many slave ships were launched. Rada spirits are typically thought to be peaceful or benign.
Some mistakenly refer to the Radah loa as "good" and the Petwo as "evil." This is misleading; the Rada loa can be used to make malevolent magic, while the Petwo can heal and do beneficial workings. They are more accurately referred to as "cool" and "hot," respectively.
Rites
The Petwo rites are an integral part of the initiation ceremony (Kanzo), the rite by which serviteurs are initiated as priests and priestesses (houngans and mambos) of Haitian Vodou. The Bat Ge, the ceremony that precedes the Kanzo, is dedicated to the Petwo loa, and the paket kongoPaket kongo
Paket kongo are Haitian spiritual objects made by vodou priests and priestesses during Petwo ceremonies. Their name comes from the ancient Kongo Kingdom in Africa, where similar objects called nikisi wambi are found....
created by and for new initiates are made under the watch of the Petwo spirits.