'12 Small Things' is a social business founded by Laurie Kanes that supports artisans in less-industrialized countries to provide them with a fair income for their goods.
An editor pick here is what is called on 'Vodou Flags,' which are also called Haiti's Ceremonial Banners. The lead image in the featured gallery displays one example, which is essentially a one-of-a-kind handmade tapestry made of beads and sequins sewn onto a satin square.
"The flags represent various spirits, or lwa, of Vodou, based on religious beliefs and practices slaves brought with them from West Africa," the 12 Small Things websites writes. "Vodou flags, exhibited in ceremonies, serve to call down particular spirits who help practitioners with their personal problems and aspirations. Because slaves were forbidden from practicing Vodou, they also adopted Catholic saints to represent the various spirits of love, water, twins, trees, crops, etc."
Contact Information
12 Small Things website
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Key Themes Behind This Trend
- People-focused Ceremonial Banners
- There is a growing trend of supporting artisans in less-industrialized countries to provide them with a fair income for their handmade ceremonial banners.
- Vodou Flags
- Vodou flags, also called Haiti's Ceremonial Banners, have gained popularity as unique one-of-a-kind handmade tapestries that represent various spirits based on religious beliefs and practices slaves brought from West Africa.
- Adopting Catholic Saints
- Slaves that were not allowed to practice Vodou adopted Catholic saints to represent the various spirits in Vodou including love, water, twins, trees, crops, etc.
Where This Applies
- Handmade Crafts
- The handmade crafts industry can benefit from sourcing talent in less-industrialized countries to produce unique, high-quality products.
- Home Decor
- Home decor shops can offer one-of-a-kind handmade Vodou flags as wall hangings or conversation pieces to customers looking for unique decor.
- Religious Artifacts
- The religious artifacts industry can benefit from offering handmade replicas of Vodou flags and other traditional items from various cultures and religions.
