The sacred magic rattle of the houngan or mambo. It is a gourd with natural handle. The outside is covered with bits of coral and snake bones. These are done in flour or cornmeal, usually next to the poto mitan. Loa often come to a ceremony and possess serviteurs.
Voodoo theology says the loa takes over the serviteur's body during possession.
It is not clear where the serviteur goes while his or her body is possessed by the loa. An initiation ceremony held for serviteurs after they have been mounted for the first time. A central image in Voodoo. Virtually all Voodoo acts, even healing, begin with the acknowledgement of the crossroads. The personal soul which animates the human body.