From Africa to America: The Transposition and Survival of the Vodoun Practices, Through Slavery and the Present

Didier Kombieni

Abstract: The slave trade and the whole slavery process have made America to get in touch with many African traditions, cultures and religious practices. Many of these practices could not survive on the American landnot only because of the lack of effectiveness in their transmission from fathers to sons, but also due the white masters fear of their perpetuation. Yet, Vodoun, one of the strongest connections between the slaves and their African ancestry, then their hope for salvation, has survived and has continued to exist in modern America. Although modernity tends to bury the origins and most customs and cultures of black Americans, Vodoun has remained a mark of identity in the life of many African Americans today. More than a culture or a custom to the Blacks, Vodoun is a religion and its worship has about 50 million practitioners around the world. Although its true origins are still in debate, it has commonly been admitted that the Dahomey kingdom (today the Republic of Benin) has been its head-quarter, with the south of the country hosting the experts and champions. With the deported slaves not being necessary experts in the Vodoun practice, together with its difficult and exclusive oral transmission and the ages, one can rightly wonder if there has ever been any true vodoun in America. And if Yes, what connection and relationship could exist today between the vodoun practiced in America and the one prevailing in the mother country, that is Africa in general, and Benin in particular.

Keywords: Vodoun - slavery - religion - relationship - comparison

Edition: Volume 8 Issue 11, November 2019,

Pages: 1805 - 1812