Hisham Mayet: "Voudoun Gods on the Slave Coast" DVD
Sublime Frequencies Hisham Mayet:
Voudoun Gods on the Slave Coast -dvd- (BN,rec.2011,pub.2014)***
Hisham Mayet was lucky to have witnessed, with camera a couple of different traditional ritualistic moments of dances and celebrations in Dahomey, formerly known as the Slave Coast of Benin. We witness The cult of Sakpata, powerful images of shamanic-like turning around tents, the Egoun-Goun, colourful figures that present visitors from the realm of the dead, the Zanbeto tribesmen, or king’s worshiping dancers at Abomey as well as night dancers whose more than human magical quick movements allow spirits to move in their arms and legs. A few of the most surreal costumes remind me of Tibetan traditional magical folklore events I saw before, making me wonder how much shamanism and spirit provocation was spread with some unity around the world. The voodoo rhythms on cowbells and hand drums are complex and hypnotic from the start. One is immediately dragged into these scenes. The costumes are pleasure to the eye and also the people look beautiful and full of life’s energy. Its movement are inflicting making me realise how stiff we Western people are. How many vivid wonders from Africa still are kept away from our general knowledge. This DVD was able to share a great experience.
