Agwe: The Lwa of the Sea in Haitian Vodou

Agwe, also written Agwé, is the lwa of the sea in Haitian Vodou: master of the oceans, of the creatures that live in them and of the boats that sail upon them. He is the patron of sailors and fishermen, and one of the most dignified figures among the spirits.

Master of the sea

Agwe is usually imagined as a handsome, commanding figure, often in the uniform of a naval officer. His attributes come from the sea and from seafaring: shells, fish, oars, boats and nets. His vèvè, the ritual drawing that calls him, often takes the form of a ship. In many accounts he is the husband of Erzulie Freda and of La Sirène, the mermaid spirit.

Offerings on the water

Agwe's most famous ceremony takes place at sea. Devotees prepare a decorated raft or boat, laden with food, drink and gifts, and send it out onto the water for him. If the offering sinks, it is understood to have been accepted.

Water and memory

Water holds deep meaning in Vodou. The sea separates Haiti from Africa, and from Ginen, the watery realm of the ancestors, and it is the water across which enslaved Africans were carried. In some traditions Agwe's ship, Imamou, carries the souls of the dead home.

Agwe in jewellery

A design inspired by Agwe or his ship-shaped vèvè can honour the sea, those who work on it and a central figure of Haitian religion.

See the AURYN design, or read our introduction to the lwa of Haitian Vodou.