Herbal Power Workshop
with Loulou Prince
July 2007

The ceremony of kase fey, breaking leaves, is an important one. It requires the cooperation of a large group of people, to pick the leaves and carry them home. If possible the group should be accompanied by a bambou, a traditional band identified with the lwa Grand Bwa. He is the forest, the big woods, the vigorous and happy lwa of growth, power and magic.


The entire peristyle membership, led by Loulou Prince, set out in search of the healing, magical leaves.



The musicians in the bambou work hard! They blow into tubes, formerly made of bamboo but now of other materials. It takes lung power! Each tube can make only one hooting note, so the musicians coordinate their tones to produce melodies.



Training starts early! This little Haitian boy is already preparing to take the responsibilities of an adult man in the bambou. One day he may have a bambou of his own, to serve the lwa in his own extended family group.



Houngan Richard marched and danced all the way! And because he is a kind and loving person, he carried a large and heavy water container on his back, for the other members to drink! It quickly got lighter and lighter as thirsty participants drank.