Davidson, B. (1966).African Kingdoms. New York: Time.
Huet, M., & Savary, C. (1966).The Dances of Africa.
New York: Harry N. Abrams.
Knappert, J. (1995).African Mythology:An
Encyclopedia of Myth and Legend. London:
Diamond Books.
POTOMITAN
The potomitan (also spelled poteau-mitan or
poto-mitan) is the round pillar that stands in the
center of the peristyle, that is, that part of the
oumfò(Vodou temple) reserved for spiritual cere-
monies in Haiti. The potomitan is usually made of
concrete and extends, at least in its physical form,
from the ground to the ceiling of the peristyle.
Etymologically,potomitanis a Creole compound
word made up ofpoto“pillar” andmitan“mid-
dle,” and it means “the very strength.”
This name should be enough to signal the para-
mount importance attached to the potomitan by
Voduists in Haiti. Indeed, the potomitan is
thought of as the axis of the spiritual world. As
such, the potomitan serves as a magic conduit
between the world of the living and the world of
the spirits. More specifically, it is literally through
the potomitan that the Vodu spirits, the Lwa,
enter the world of the living when called on dur-
ing Vodu services. The potomitan then becomes
charged with the energy associated with the Lwa.
The potomitan is able to fulfill that function
because, according to Voduists, it draws its roots
in the sacred cosmic place known as Vilokan (i.e.,
Africa, the place of residence of the Lwa) and
stretches far up into the spiritual abodes above the
Earth.
Quite predictably, the potomitan is reserved a
special place during ceremonies. It is always
saluted with great respect and awe at the begin-
ning of Vodu services. Also, for example, partici-
pants in a Vodu ceremony dance around it.
Similarly, Vèvès (cosmic drawings for the Lwa)
are drawn around the potomitan. The base of the
potomitan is built like a round altar, which is used
as a table where important items are placed dur-
ing services, such as candles, the Mambo’s or
Houngan’s asson(their sacred rattle to call the
spirits), water and other drinks for libations, and
so on. It is also where offerings and sacrifices are
placed. Animals soon to be sacrificed, such as a
red bull or red chickens to the Lwa Papa Ogu, will
be first attached to the potomitan and then
sacrificed once the Lwa has come through the
potomitan.
The potomitan is easily recognizable, not
only given its central location but also because
it is usually painted with bright colors, such as
red, and often decorated with a snake. In fact,
the potomitan is called by many the Poto-
Danbala, that is, the “pillar of the Lwa
Danbala.” It must be remembered that the sym-
bol of Papa Danbala, as that spirit is respect-
fully called in Haiti, is the snake. In Haiti, just
like in Benin, where Vodu draws its immediate
roots, the snake’s sinuous movements and abil-
ity to coil itself are intimately associated with
the dynamic, yet subtle, motion that character-
izes life and its incessant flow, that is, eternity.
Thus, Danbala is the sustainer and giver of life.
In that context, the potomitan, Poto-Danbala,
is like a cosmic penis, erected as it partici-
pates in the gift and sustenance of life.
According to Fon mythology, Danbala set up
four pillars, one at each cardinal point, to liter-
ally support the Earth. Interestingly, in addition
to the potomitan, the peristyle also rests on four
cardinal pillars. Some other scholars have also
suggested a particular affinity between the
potomitan and the Lwa Lègba. Like Lègba,
whose primary responsibility it is to facilitate
and allow contact between the world of the liv-
ing and the world of the spirits, the potomitan,
it is argued, serves a similar role because it is
through it that the Lwa ascend or descend into
the visible world. Furthermore, and most
important, Papa Lègba, the guardian of the
crossroads, is also the legitimate guardian of
the potomitan. The latter, then, coincides with
Lègba’s erect phallus.Ama MazamaSeealsoLwa; Rituals; Vodou in HaitiFurther Readings
Deren, M. (1972).Divine Horsemen:The Living Gods
of Haiti. New York: Delta.534 Potomitan