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UCLA's Fowler Museum of Cultural History launches Opening Day ceremonies for its "Saluting Vodou Spirits: Haitian Flags from the Fowler Collection" exhibition on Saturday, August 8th. noon-5 pm.
Ritual flags, known as Drapo, made of satin, velvet, or rayon, and adorned with sequins, beads, or appliqué are important components of Voudou sacred art. These works are presented at the beginning of vodou ceremonies to salute the spirits and marshal the energies of their devotees.
"Saluting Vodou Spirits" features approximately forty lavishly decorated ritual flags dating from the early 1900s to the 1990s as well as five newly commissioned beaded flags by women artists, who have only recently begun to work in this medium.