Gran Bwa, "Great Wood", is the lwa of the forest in Haitian Vodou. He is master of trees, leaves and the wild places beyond the village, and the keeper of the knowledge of plants.
Master of the forest
In Vodou, the forest is a place of power and mystery, and Gran Bwa embodies it. He is associated with sacred trees, in which spirits are believed to dwell, and with the leaves used in ritual and healing. Temples are often built around a sacred tree, and trees themselves receive offerings.
Gran Bwa and initiation
Gran Bwa has a special role in initiation, when new initiates are symbolically taken into the forest, the realm of the spirits, and return transformed.
Vèvè and flags
Like other lwa, Gran Bwa is called with a vèvè, a ritual drawing, and honoured with sequined drapo, ceremonial flags. Museum collections of Haitian art, including those of the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, include flags and images associated with him.
Gran Bwa in jewellery
A Gran Bwa design honours the forest and the old knowledge of leaves and trees in one of the Caribbean's great religions.
Take a look at the AURYN design, or read our introduction to the lwa of Haitian Vodou.
