Saint Barbara Africana Poster

Saint Barbara Africana:

The image of Saint Barbara Africana is often used as a depiction of Erzulie Dantor and her daughter Anais.

Erzulie Dantor, also known as Ezili Dantor, Mami Dantò and Erzulie Dantò, is a strong, determined, powerful and protective mother figure in the Vodou tradition. She is also the mother of the Petwo nation of spirits. She can be a tough woman, but before all she is a mother. In fact, she is the most perfect mother one could ever wish to have.

She represents a powerful aspect of femininity, strong, independent and fiercely protective. She will stop everything she is in the process of doing to aid those who call on her for help, and she will do so very quickly, and for very little sacrifice on their part, forcefully fighting to defend and protect her children and family until the very end.

Erzulie Dantor is a single mother who is fiercely independent and takes care of her own. She is known to be a wise businesswoman. She sells pigs in the market and is very successful in providing everything she and her children need. She is a guardian and protector of orphans, sick children, and those who have been abused, and she is patroness of lesbians, and LGBTQ people.

Erzulie Dantor has three scars that run along the side of her right cheek, which were obtained during a fight between her and her sister, Erzulie Freda. These scars are often referred to as “twa mak” or three marks, yet in many images of her, Erzulie Dantor is only depicted as having two marks, or scars on her cheek.

Dantor can be wild, aggressive, and difficult to control and as such she is considered a “hot” spirit, and is often depicted holding a double-edged knife, symbolizing justice.

During the Haitian revolution, Ezili Danto decided to join her people in war. But her people feared that if she were captured, she would give away their secrets, therefore they cut out her tongue rendering her mute. Now Erzulie Dantor can only utter a “ke-ke-ke” sound, which is the sound of her tongue clicking on the roof of her mouth.      

Erzulie Dantor will almost always be featured with her child in any image. The daughter most frequently seen in her arms is known as Anais. Anais serves as Erzulie’s translator and interpreter, relaying any messages sent to her; thus, Anais is often addressed when speaking to Erzulie Dantor.

I create my artwork using a blend of illustration and digital synthography. All artwork is original. Copyright Amy Hedrick, crookedstickapothecary.com, all rights reserved.

After purchase, you will receive a zip file containing 3 JPG images, each image has been formatted to fit a specific frame. Sizes are as follows:

• 4800 x 7200 pix, 300 DPI - Image Fits a 16” x 24” Frame
• 5400 x 7200 pix, 300 DPI – Image Fits an 18” X 24” Frame
• 7200 x 10800 pix, 300 DPI – Image Fits a 24” X 36” Frame

Once your order is complete you will have immediate access to your images via a link on the Orders Status page. In addition, you will receive an email containing the same link which you can use to download your digital files as well.

**Please note that all digital items are sold for PERSONAL USE ONLY. As such they may not be shared, modified, or resold in any form.

***Furthermore, these images may not be used for commercial purposes, nor does the purchase of these images include any transfer of rights.

Once purchased, you may print these images from your home computer. For the best results, however, I recommend that you use a professional printer, ink and paper, or, alternatively, take it to your local print specialist.

In the unlikely event that you encounter a problem downloading the file that you have purchased, do not hesitate to contact me via email at crookedstickapothecary@yahoo.com and I will be happy to send the zip file to your email address.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

• This is a digital product only; you will not be receiving a physical item.
• Instant download items do not accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations.
• Colors may vary slightly from one computer monitor to another due to monitor color restrictions.