Items Similar to The Bizango life-sized Haitian secret society Voodoo Warrior
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
The Bizango life-sized Haitian secret society Voodoo Warrior
$25,623.22
£19,410.18
€22,000
CA$35,497.52
A$39,812.83
CHF 20,849.36
MX$483,764.68
NOK 264,751.97
SEK 251,003.52
DKK 167,502.86
About the Item
The Bizango life-sized Voodoo Warrior
Bizango is the name given to a secret society in Haiti, as well as to its members. Many of their practices are closely associated with Haitian Voodoo. In recent years, the term has also come to refer to the statues found in the society’s meeting places.
The Bizango society was founded in the early 19th century by enslaved Africans who were fighting for their freedom and independence. Originating from the highlands along the Artibonite River, the Bizango cult is primarily focused on preserving the traditions and values of the Haitian people. The Bizango warriors serve as the guardians of these ideals.
Very little is known about these life-sized warrior figures. They have an aggressive, warlike appearance that often unsettles viewers. The characters they depict are wrapped in padded fabric sewn in the red and black colors of the Bizango society and are covered with fragments of mirrors. Most appear to be limping, swollen, crippled, or amputated. Like battle-hardened fighters, they are equipped with shields, spears, swords, and chains. Some have devil horns; others, like angels, have large wings. While most are standing, a few are seated on chairs or throne-like seats. Some figures clearly display a military hierarchy—ranging from common fighter to captain, general, king, queen, or emperor.
Originally, these warriors were created as symbolic resistance against Napoleon’s army. Over time, they came to embody justice itself, serving as symbols of peace and guardians of social order.
Provenance :
-American private collection
-Swiss private collection
Bibliographie
- Les guerriers bizango: L'art d'une société secrète vaudoue en Haïti, symbole de liberté et de justice Paperback – 1 januari 2012
- Sacred Arts of Haitian Vodou Paperback – January 1, 1995
by Los Angeles Fowler Museum of Cultural histor University of California (Author), Donald J. Cosentino (Editor)
- Dimensions:Height: 66.93 in (170 cm)Width: 28.35 in (72 cm)Depth: 15.75 in (40 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:-
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Leuven , BE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3301145118732
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
Established in 2017
1stDibs seller since 2017
171 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 7 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Leuven , Belgium
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllEthnodesign Katoyo Mask representing the "Foreigner" with headdress from Angola.
Located in Leuven , BE
This unusual Chokwe mask is probably Katoyo, representing non-Chokwe individuals. The deviation of the mask from the more common Chokwe masks is mainly because they represent Portugu...
Category
Early 20th Century Angolan Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Bamileke Old Anthropomorphic Trophy Head Embroidered with European Glass Beads
Located in Leuven , BE
Bamileke Old Anthropomorphic Trophy Head embroidered with European
Glass Beads, Grasslands People, and Cameroon.
Private collection Brussels
Worn by chiefs and other notables on cer...
Category
20th Century Cameroonian Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Beads
Ibibio Anthropomorphic Standing Male Janus Figure, Nigeria
Located in Leuven , BE
This elaborate Janus statue is a rare example of an Ibibio free-standing figure to recall a well-defined ancestor in what seems a European outfit .The Ibibios lend supernatural power...
Category
20th Century Congolese Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ancient Stone Statue, West Africa possibly Sierra Leone
Located in Leuven , BE
These sculptures are considered manifestations of their deceased ancestors and are placed in ancestor shrines.
Category
20th Century Sierra Leonean Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Ceremonial hardwood Skeleton from a single piece of wood, Nigeria.
Located in Leuven , BE
An uncommon form, the abstract teeth filled mouthed figure standing straight on an integral base.
Category
20th Century Nigerian Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Bamum Decorative Wooden Ancestor Figure Embroidered with European Glass Beads
Located in Leuven , BE
Bamum Decorative Wooden Ancestor Figure embroidered with European Glass Beads, Grasslands People , Cameroon
Private collection Brussels
These commemorative statuettes ,representing a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Cameroonian Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Beads
You May Also Like
African Gabon Kota Mahongwe Hongwe Bwete Reliquary Guardian Figure Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly fantastic, engaging, and uniquely made African Kota Mahongwe Hongwe Reliquary Guardian Figure/ Sculpture made by the Kota (Bakota) pe...
Category
Mid-20th Century Gabonese Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Brass, Copper
African Congo Fetish Statue, Houses Spirits for Protection, Late 20th- Century
Located in Miami, FL
African Congo Fetish Statue, Houses Spirits for Protection 20th- Century
Offered for sale is a late 20th-century African tribal fetish statue of a doubl...
Category
Late 20th Century Congolese Tribal Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal
"BaPende Statue - Zaire, " Carved Wood Sculpture created in Africa circa 1940
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This statue was carved by an unknown Pende artist from Zaire. It depicts a walking man with a disc-shape on his head and large eyes.
25 3/4" x 7" sculpture
The Pende people are an...
Category
1940s Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
African Tribal Figure
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mounted African tribal figure, used as a door latch in the early 20th century.
Category
20th Century Ivorian Tribal Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$1,250
Bambara puppet figurine, African tribal art, circa 1950
Located in LYON, FR
TRIBAL ART
Large traditional puppet figurine with articulated arms. Polychrome hardwood resting on its steel base.
A favorite for this old puppet figurin...
Category
Vintage 1950s Malian Tribal Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota Mohongwe Peoples Art
Located in Miami, FL
A fantastically hand-crafted piece by the Kota (or Bakota) tribe who are located in the northeastern region of Gabon. This figure, which is a Mahongwe reliquary figure as exhibited with its truncated almond-shaped face, is made of wound copper, hammered brass and wood. Reliquary figures were used as guardians to protect the revered bones of venerated family ancestors and leaders and ward off unwanted spirits. These figures are meant to embody intense powers and were also commonly used in communal rites and ritual performances.
This particular piece came from an American collector who traveled the African continent and collected African artifacts for over 50 years. This piece has a beautiful, organically aged patina acquired naturally over time and use. It is mounted on a custom wooden display stand. We believe it dates back to the early to mid-1900s but could be older. We are listing as 20th century because we did not have it appraised.
This African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota (Bakota) Mohongwe Peoples decorative art would clearly stand out as part of a collection or by itself in any setting. Truly unique, eye-catching and engaging.
Dimensions on stand: 25 3/4" High, 7" Wide, 5 1/2" Deep
Kota Reliquary...
Category
Early 20th Century Gabonese Tribal Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Copper
$2,560 Sale Price
20% Off