The religious origins of Voodoo Flags are sometimes obscured by their increasing popularity as pure objects of art amongst collectors of Haitian Art.  These flags, made from satin, silk, cloth or burlap, and embroidered with pearls, beads and sequins of often brilliantly iridescent colours, are today much sought-after for their aesthetics.  The colourful embroidery, the intricacy of the decorative patterns, the sheer inventiveness in the depiction of the various loas to whom the flags are dedicated, are certainly beguiling.
Traditionally, however, Voodoo flags have been regarded as sacred, and they play an important part in Voodoo ceremonies.  Stored in shrines, these sacred objects are carried out during ceremonies by Voodoo priestesses, to honour and call forth the loas to whom the ceremony is dedicated.  Today, one of the most popular depictions is that of the mermaid, La Sirene;  Agoue, the lord of the seas, is often symbolically depicted by a boat.
In the past, Voodoo flags were designed by Voodoo priests.  Antique flags are often, but not always, starker in colour and design, their patterns less intricate, their embroidery less ornate.  Today, a growing number of artists, as well as Voodoo priests, continue to design and make these flags.  The flags still play a central role in Voodoo ceremonies, but their popularity has led to an ever wider array of designs, colours, patterns and sizes.

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