Nigerian Yoruba voodoo clan

‘Egungun’ spirits stand during a Voodoo ceremony on January 10, 2012 in Ouidah, Benin. Nigerian Yoruba voodoo clan

Nigerian Yoruba voodoo clan
First of all, Voodoo has been an official religion in Benin since 1989. And there is something wonderful and mysterious in it, which makes others follow it. Ouidah City (also Whydah or Juda) in Benin is the original place of voodoo religion, and followers from across the country, as well as from Togo and Nigeria, come here to participate in the ceremonies. In Uide about 17% of the population practice voodoo religion. In this collection you will find photos of Egungun spirits of Nigerian Yoruba clan. According to Voodoo cult, these actors dressed as ghosts, represent the past, who come to Earth to help people and become implanted in them.

Ouidah, Benin, January 9, 2012. Spirit “Egungun” – one of the voodoo ceremonies

The Egungun masqueraded dancers represent the ancestral spirits of the Yoruba, a Nigerian ethnic group. Meanwhile, the spirits are believed to visit earth to possess and give guidance to the living. Ouidah is Benin’s Voodoo heartland, and thought to be the spiritual birthplace of Voodoo or Vodun, known in Benin. Shrouded in mystery and often misunderstood, Voodoo became an official religion in Benin in 1989. Besides, its popularity is increasing with around 17 percent of the population following it. A week of activity centered around the worship of Voodoo culminates on the 10th of January when people from across Benin as well as Togo and Nigeria descend on the town for the annual Voodoo festival.