In the United States, slavery relied on the reproduction and other labors of unfree Black women. Nearly four centuries later, Black reproductivity remains a vital technology for the creation, negotiation, and transformation of sexualized and gendered racial categories.

This chapter delves into the history of women in Haiti and the Caribbean through the African religious legends of the Vodoun goddess and spirit, Erzulie, describing their importance to Haitian culture and identity. The goddess takes many forms and meanings depending on which historical perspective she is representing, whether it be through the colonial lens, the catholic lens, the patriarchal lens or the feminist lens. It highlights the subversion of Western dualisms, gender distinction and colour division in these legends.