Illinois: Beyond the hype

An exhibition at Chicago’s Field Museum, Vodou: Sacred Powers of Haiti, looks beyond myths and manufactured Hollywood images — visitors will see no dolls with pins stuck into them. Instead, Vodou explores the underground history and true nature of a living religion, and reveals Vodou as a vital spiritual and social force that remains an important part of daily life in Haiti. At the heart of Vodou are more than 300 objects, including altars, mixed-media sculptures, drums, sequined-covered flags, and charismatic, large-scale representations of spirits. The rituals remember the country’s triumph over slavery and honor the spirit of resistance that has sustained Haiti through centuries of hardship. The exhibition runs through April 26.

Details: http://www.fieldmuseum.org or 312-922-9410.

This story was originally published January 8, 2015 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Illinois: Beyond the hype."