The Virgin Mary and Revolution in Saint-Domingue: The Charisma of Romaine-la-Prophetesse
Author(s)
Rey, Terry
Abstract
Romaine-la-Prophetesse adopted a charismatic role in the Haitian Revolution by appropriating the Virgin Mary as an accepted moral authority. As a religious leader, he drew on his own legitimacy and on the public’s faith in prophecy to lead rebellions against slavery. Prophecy is also an aspect of Kongolese religion, which further validated Romaine-la-Prophetesse as a legitimate leader.
