Haitian Flags from the Cargo Collection

In both African and European traditions, flags and banners are symbols of identity, power, and authority. When used in Vodoun ceremonies, flags represent the loa spirits and are carried into sacred spaces of worship, and even worn over the shoulders. The shimmering banners evoke the great mystery of the loas, who helped Haitians survive unimaginable oppression and obstacles.

In the last 50 years, flags began to be collected as works of art by people visiting Haiti. Flags are now made for both purposes – for ritual use, and for the international art market. This superb collection of Haitian flags is a small portion of the Robert Cargo Folk Art Collection, just under 700 objects generously given to the Birmingham Museum of Art in 2013 by Robert Cargo’s daughter, Caroline Cargo.