Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Danmagon priest during ceremony

There are very few Danmagon priests left - their voodoo practices tend to be mystical and oftentimes removed from the public eye and they require a longer term commitment and devotion from the supplicant. The ceremonies are traditionally benign in nature, focused on protection and doing good - something not always evident by the shrines (as shown here) or the ceremony itself. I was fortunate to gain access to a remote shrine in the middle of a sacrificial forest. The white powder, thrown on the idols or blown towards the sacrificial totems is an integral part of the usual Danmagon ceremony.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: Ouiddah, Benin
Copyright: © Marios Forsos