| An exhibition preview article on //Mami Wata Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and Its Diaspora// explains the "beautiful, protective, seductive, and potentially deadly, the water spirit Mami Wata (Mother Water)" significance on shaping ideas and lives of people, communities, and spirits through the richness of arts surrounding her and other aquatic deities that honor the sacredness of water. The article also traces the water spirit's origins overseas through influences by representations in "ancient, indigenous African water spirits, European mermaids and snake charmers, Hindu gods and goddesses, and Christian and Muslim saints." In some she is depicted as a wish granting creature, shown with her prized gold comb, who brings about luck and fortune - in others a seductress, or a dangerous spirit that has destructive potential. "She inspires a vast array of emotions, attitudes, and actions among those who worship her, those who fear her, those who study her, and those who create works of art about her. What the Yoruba peoples say about their culture is also applicable to the histories and significances of Mami Wata: She is like a 'river that never rests.'" | An exhibition preview article on //Mami Wata Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and Its Diaspora// explains the "beautiful, protective, seductive, and potentially deadly, the water spirit Mami Wata (Mother Water)" significance on shaping ideas and lives of people, communities, and spirits through the richness of arts surrounding her and other aquatic deities that honor the sacredness of water. The article also traces the water spirit's origins overseas through influences by representations in "ancient, indigenous African water spirits, European mermaids and snake charmers, Hindu gods and goddesses, and Christian and Muslim saints." (60) In some she is depicted as a wish granting creature, shown with her prized gold comb, who brings about luck and fortune - in others a seductress, or a dangerous spirit that has destructive potential. "She inspires a vast array of emotions, attitudes, and actions among those who worship her, those who fear her, those who study her, and those who create works of art about her. What the Yoruba peoples say about their culture is also applicable to the histories and significances of Mami Wata: She is like a 'river that never rests.'" (63) |
