Zangbeto ceremony in Heve-Grand Popo village, Benin

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The whirling haystack is Zangbeto, traditional vodun guardian of the night. Minders with sticks direct Zangbeto as the man inside the mask has poor visibility and may be dizzy from spinning. Its performance guarantees protection against bad spirits and malicious people. The spinning movement of Zangbeto symbolizes the spiritual cleansing of the village. Zangbeto also performs miracles to prove its powers.

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Size: 3921px × 2586px
Location: Benin
Photo credit: © Michele Burgess / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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