VEVE PAPA BADÈ SOBO KEBYESOU (GOD OF JUSTICE)

Year: 2026

Author: James Thegenus

Support: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 41 cm x 41 cm

Description of the work:

Other words Sobo: Sobo Aloumandja, Sobo Kebyesou, Sobo Kesou, Sobo Lele, Sobo Timoso, Papa Sobo.
Attributes: Lwa of lightning; symbol of strength; warrior Lwa, defender of the hounfo.
Main rites: Danwonmen, Kongo, Petro, Rada. As the Lwa of lightning, the military Sobo receives his orders from Agaou, the supreme Lwa of storms. He and Badè, Lwa of the winds, are such inseparable friends that they are often identified together as Sobo Badè. Sobo is very strong and known for his bravery. He is the model adopted by houngans and mambos who seek the respect of their congregations. As Grand Judge of the hounfò, he can build or destroy, punish or reward, as he pleases. He lives outdoors, under the trees. His favorite food: mutton and goat. During the theomorphosis, Sobo's adept must dress as a general, and everyone must stand in his presence, as the commander will address his troops. His role is to defend the hounfò and ensure the safety of the congregation.