21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
A Vodou Priestess Possessed by the Mermaid Queen

During an annual Vodou ceremony honoring the spirits of the sea, a priestess was possessed, or "mounted," by La Sirene, the female spirit, who appears as a mermaid queen. Thusly, the priestess took to the swimming pool while wearing a tiara.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2023
Date Uploaded: 10.2023
Photo Location: New York, New York, United States of America
Copyright: © Christopher Carpenter