noun
• A scapular or ritual necklace worn by a newly initiated ounsi kanzo in Haitian Vodou.
• Signifies the initiate’s entry into spiritual service and the formal bond with the lwa (spirits).
• Typically made from cloth, cord, and symbolic items tied or sewn together.
• Worn around the neck or shoulders during and after the kanzo initiation as a visible mark of consecration.
• In Rada-dominant houses, the agwesan is often white or multicolored, corresponding to the initiate’s principal spirit (lwa met tèt).
• In Petwo lineages, agwesan may feature red, black, or darker hues, reflecting more aggressive or protective lwa.
• Construction style and materials may vary between rural and urban ounfò, and between Haitian and diasporic communities (e.g., Brooklyn, Miami, Paris).
• The agwesan symbolizes not only a personal covenant but also public accountability within the religious community.
