NEW ORLEANS VOODOO Danbhala Folk Art Shrine SCULLY ELLY

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New Orleans Voodoo Shrine to the Lwa Danbhala (Dambhala), handmade by Scully Elly, New Orleans Voodoo practitioner and folk artist. This unique, one-of-a-kind shrine is handcrafted by New Orleans Vodou root doctor and 8th ward resident Elissa Maistros, AKA Scully Elly, an Haitian initiated Hounsi-Kanzo of Vodou who has been practicing the religion for over 15 years. Scully Elly specializes in sacred Vodou art. Her creations vary from dolls and marionettes to Vodou shrines and sequined Flags. Many of her shrines are used on "working" altars of Vodou servitors and devotees. Photos of the item at auction: This particular shrine is made for Danbhala, the Vodou Snake Lwa (Lwas are god-like spirits) of movement, wealth, wisdom, peace, serenity and creation. Many Vodou servitors believe that it is Danbhala who created the world. The legend has it that the world was nothing but mud in the beginning. Danbhala, the white snake Lwa, began writhing in the mud and as he writhed he churned up mountains, forests, lakes, oceans, etc... During his writhing he churned up a thunderstorm. After the storm passed a rainbow appeared in the sky. The Rainbow was Aida Wedo, the rainbow Lwa. Danbhala immediately fell in love and married Aida Wedo. Danbhala and Aida Wedo together symbolize fidelity and strength and represent all colors. This shrine stands 7 inches tall, 4 inches wide and 3 inches deep. The Shrine is painted white. On the top is a thick glass tealight holder embellished with glass beads along the edge and at the base. The front has a double door. With a veve for Danchala painted in silver paint on the front. The sides of the cabinet also have veve snakes painted to them.. When the double doors are opened you will see that it is filled with items to represent and which are sacred to Danbhala. There is a Portou Mitan in the middle (center pole that the laws use to travel from the Guine (the spirit relm) to ours. A pewter cobra is wrapped around the pole-climbing it. The back wall and bottom has a picture of St. Patrick affixed to it. St. Partrick is the Catholic counterpart to Danbhala. On the floor rests a white dove and an egg (two of Danbhala's favorite offerings) as well as a glass vial painted with a white snake coiling around it and filled with Skully Elly's special blend of oil for Danbhala. In the upper right hand corner is a white. Silk flower and the left, rear edge is embellished with silver beads The back of the cabinet has "Danbhala" written in it and is signed and dated by Scully Elly. This particular shrine was personally used by Skull Elly on one of her altars. It remained in devotion to Danbhala for several years but the altar has recently been updated and redone. It is a truly remarkable piece for the serious Vodou practitioner as an altar piece or collector of the unique and a chance to own a piece of art not only made by Skully Elly but used on one of her altars as well. Because it is a sacred piece of art actively used in devotion to Danbhala it does show some gentle wear and minor discoloration in areas due to candles, incense and other offerings being used near it. There is no damage and has been gently cleaned. Below is a photo of the artist, Scully Elly: Please check our current auctions for more New Orleans Voodoo Folk Art by Scully Elly. MULTIPLE AUCTION WINNERS SAVE ON SHIPPING! If you win multiple shrines or other items from our auctions, we are happy to combine items to offer you the lowest possible shipping rate. DANNY DIGS US! Check out this groovy note to Louie from Dan Akroyd aka/ "Elwood Blues": "...your excellent customer service is a fine example of the graciousness and Southern hospitality for which New Orleans is famous" .. find out what prompted the Office of the Mayor of New Orleans to write this nice letter to Louie by visiting our About Me Page! Thank you for looking! Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers read more

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