Haitian Priestess Opens Art Exhibit with Consecration and Explanation

September 15, 2006

Source: Observer-Tribune

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17199904&BRD=1918&PAG=461&dept_id=

On September 15, 2006 the Observer-Tribune reported, "The scents of cedar, incense and perfume permeated the air on Saturday, as a Haitian priestess offered words ofvodouto open the latest exhibit on Haitian art at the Myhelan Cultural Arts Center on Schooley’s Mountain Road. The 'Inspiration Haiti! Works of Spirit and Nature' exhibit opening was met by a diverse group of more than 100 people of various nationalities and ages. The exhibit is curated by Rutgers University professor John Ripton, and includes a variety of pieces, including sculpture, painting and other crafts by Haitian artists. Ripton teaches Caribbean history at Rutgers and is a teacher at Gill St. Bernard’s High School in Peapack-Gladstone. After opening remarks, Ripton introduced Haitian priestess Dowoti Desir also known as Mambo Asogwe. An African American native of Haiti, Desir has conducted spiritual ceremonies to consecrate a variety of well-known locations, including the African American burial grounds in New York City and the American Museum of Natural History. She wore a black and white dress and head wrap as she consecrated the art program by introducing and explaining the sacred meanings behind an assortment of objects on the exhibit’s centerpiece altar."