ablazingcloud:Mythology Moodboards: Nigeria & the African DiasporaMami WataMami Wata is ofte

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Mythology Moodboards: Nigeria & the African Diaspora

Mami Wata

Mami Wata is often described as a mermaid-like figure, with a woman’s upper body and the hindquarters of a fish or serpent. In other tales, Mami Wata is fully human in appearance. The existence and spiritual importance of Mami Wata is deeply rooted in the ancient tradition and mythology of the coastal southeastern Nigerians. Mami Wata often carries expensive baubles such as combs, mirrors, and watches. A large snake frequently accompanies her. Some times, she may try to pass as completely human. As the Mami Wata traditions continues to re-emerge, native water deities were subsumed into it.