The idea of myths is basically made up of the interweaving of human imagination and cultural heritage. In fact on a global level myths have been a fundamental aspect of human storytelling, serving as a means of explaining the unknown as well as conveying moral lessons,
Myths appear in different forms and have diverse origins with stories that frequently feature extraordinary beings, such as gods, goddesses, and supernatural creatures, from the majestic tales of ancient Greece to the legends of African and Caribbean cultures, myths have evolved over time, reflecting the unique perspectives and values of societies.
According to general mythology, the mythological archetype of the mermaid is that of a creature with a long history of representation across diverse cultural contexts. Its mythological roots can be traced to Europe, Asia, and Africa, with numerous cultures across the globe sharing tales of these beings. This is a common phenomenon among mythological creatures with a mainstream presence, this doesn't mean that each version of this being doesn't have its own distinctive features according to the region it shows up in.
In this article we will dive into a very popular and a more specific mythology. The myth of Mami Wata.
Introduction
As in the case of Mami Wata, the name is not merely a designation for a mermaid; it is also a deity that is worshipped for a number of abilities, including healing, fertility, and wealth.
As a "capitalist" deity par excellence, her persona developed between the fifteenth and twentieth centuries, the era of growing trade between Africa and the rest of the world. Her very name, which may be translated as "Mother Water," is pidgin English, a language developed to facilitate trade and a testament of how countless enslaved Africans, forcibly brought to the Americas as part of this "trade", carried with them their beliefs, practices, and arts honouring water spirits such as Mami Wata.
In African and Caribbean beliefs, it is believed that Mami Wata can shapeshift, but that she usually appears as a beautiful woman.
The image of Mami Wata is associated with snakes. One depiction of Mami Wata is that of a woman with a large snake on her shoulders or above her head, another is her as a snake charmer whilst sometimes she is depicted as a combination of both. Yet, despite her association with snakes and the fact that she can transform into them, she is a non-malevolent deity whose preferences lean towards wealth and prosperity. The folklore surrounding her often includes accounts of her offering wealth and beauty.
She is also sometimes depicted as a jealous deity with the capacity to inflict illness, misfortune, and even death. Her nature is as fickle and turbulent like the water she in habits, usually characterised by an unpredictable and ambivalent quality, and as a result oscillating between a hostile and a welcoming disposition. The mythology surrounding African and Caribbean mermaids is more complex than that of European mermaids, encompassing a range of supernatural abilities, forms of worship, and curses. Mami Wata is a water spirit who is particularly associated with women and is believed to bestow blessings upon them. The priests of Mami Wata are typically women who have dedicated their lives to the worship of the deity. She is a significant figure in traditional religions and the diaspora. Mami Wata is associated with positive fortune, fecundity, beauty, and material prosperity. In most Black communities, there is a belief that she can cause drownings and other mysterious events if inappropriately referenced.
Mami Wata is everywhere for a reason. She was reestablished, revisualised, and revitalised in the African Atlantic, and later emerged in new communities and under different guises. Some of these include Lasirèn, Yemanya, Santa Marta la Dominadora, and Oxum. It is inspiring to see African-based faiths honouring these manifestations of Mami Wata and continuing to flourish in communities throughout the Americas, including Haiti, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic.
Whilst in her home continent she appears in various regions with different names, from, Yemaja in Nigeria, Maame Water in Ghana, and Mawu- Lisu in Benin. Mami Wata is a multifaceted deity who’s powers traverse over locations.
The Many Faces of Mami Wata
In African mythology, the mermaid is frequently depicted as a powerful and alluring figure, embodying both the beauty and danger of the water. This mythological archetype has been a significant aspect of African culture, with various names and depictions across different regions. For example, Mami Wata is a prominent figure in West African culture, whilst alternately, Yemaya is a prominent figure in Afro-Caribbean spirituality. Regardless, the narratives surrounding the deity still resonate with contemporary audiences, symbolising the influence of myth and folklore on our understanding of the world and our place within it.
Mamba Muntu
Mamba Muntu, a figure originating from Central Africa, exhibits similarities with Mami Wata. According to local folklore, the deity can usually be spotted combing her hair on rocks by the shore on particularly sunny days. If per chance, an individual obtains the hair or comb that Mamba Muntu used on her hair, they may subsequently experience a dream in which they see the entity in question. In the dream, the comb may be used to trade for desired objects, provided that the transaction is kept secret.
Despite the similarities, it is evident that there are variations in the artistic representations of these deities. For example, Mami Wata is frequently depicted holding a serpent or snake, whereas Mamba Muntu is shown alongside crocodiles. Some people say that Mamba Muntu can inhabit freshwater bodies like lakes and rivers, whilst others reside in marine environments such as seas and oceans.
Jengu
The Jengu originates from Cameroon and display a wide variation in their physical characteristics amongst themselves, yet it is commonly described as a beautiful, mermaid-like entity adorned with lengthy hair and distinctive gap-toothed smiles. Usually referred to as Miengu in plural form, the Jengu is a water deity within the traditional customs of the Sawa ethnic communities in Cameroon. The Miengu are analogous to the Bakongo concept of Bisimbi (singular: Simbi) and the Mami Wata. Since they are described as mermaid-like spirits, they are believed to inhabit rivers and the sea and bestow good fortune upon those who worship them. Furthermore, they are capable of healing ailments and serving as intermediaries between worshippers and the world of spirits. The practice of venerating the Jengu has garnered interest within Cameroon, notably among the inland Bakweri population where Jengu worship serves as a significant initiation ceremony for girls aged between eight to ten years. Throughout this initiation phase, the young girls are required to wear attire crafted from fern fronds while adhering to a set of prohibitions. Upon completion of this period, they attain full membership within the cult.
Ndalunda
Kianda, also known as Ndandalunda, is a revered goddess in traditional Angolan culture who is associated with the sea, water, and the protection of fishermen. Kianda is believed to be the daughter of Nzambi, the supreme creator god in Kongo mythology. In some traditions, she is considered the wife of Kalunga, the god of the sea and death.
She is traditionally worshipped by throwing offerings such as food and clothing into the sea, and every year the Luanda Island Feast is held to honor the deity. Fishermen often pray to Kianda before setting out to sea, asking for her protection and a bountiful catch. Certain taboos are associated with Kianda, such as not mentioning her name while at sea or not eating certain types of fish.
In Kimbundu folklore, Kianda is referred to as a mermaid-like being who is believed to possess supernatural powers. Each body of water, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds, is thought to have its own Kianda that takes the name of that particular water source.
Before Portuguese missionaries spread Christianity throughout Angola, Kianda was worshipped through the traditional dance of Semba, which was performed to celebrate good harvests, marriages, births, and other occasions. Even after independence, Kianda remains an important figure in Angolan culture, with the mosasaur, Prognathodon kianda, a specific type of extinct marine lizard in Angola, named after the deity.
Bunzi
Bunzi (also known as Mpulu Bunzi and Phulu Bunzi) is a serpent water spirit and goddess of rain in traditional Kongo religion. She was first venerated by the Woyo people of the Kingdom of Ngoyo.
In Kongo oral tradition, Bunzi is described as the offspring of Mboze, the Great Mother, and the spouse of Kuitikuiti. Bunzi is often symbolized as a serpent with vibrant colors and is believed to bestow bountiful harvests upon those who offer reverence to her. Legend has it that Bunzi was born in the guise of a serpent when Mboze gave birth, leading Kuitikuiti to suspect infidelity upon seeing the child. Upon discovering that their son Makanga was Bunzi's biological father, Kuitikuiti punished Mboze for her perceived betrayal. Bunzi inherited her mother's ability to bring rain, and it is said that a rainbow appearing in the sky signifies her presence according to local folklore.
Simbi
In traditional Kongo spirituality, a Simbi (also known as Cymbee, Sim'bi, or Bisimbi in plural form) is a revered spirit associated with water and nature. These entities are believed to possess a profound connection to the natural world and serve as guardians of the aquatic realm and the surrounding environment. Simbis are often invoked in rituals and ceremonies aimed at maintaining harmony with the natural elements and seeking their blessings for various aspects of life, such as fertility, prosperity, and protection.
The Bakongo people hold traditional beliefs regarding bisimbi, perceived as mystical water spirits known as nkisi mia mamba in Kikongo. These entities are believed to manifest in various forms such as humans, snakes, calabash vines, or Kalûnga, a fire spark akin to the one in Kongo creation mythology. Reports also mention bisimbi appearing as birds, twisted trees, and mermaid-like beings. Revered as nature's protectors and spiritual messengers, bisimbi traverse the Kalûnga Line connecting Ku Seke (the realm of the living) and Ku Mpémba (the spiritual realm of ancestors). They serve as spiritual guides, bridging the gap between the living and their ancestral heritage through storytelling and oral traditions.
As a result the native phrase "kisímbi kinsí" underscores the significance of Bakongo elders in preserving spiritual traditions and passing down beliefs across generations.
Conclusion
There exists a plethora of references to the different variations of Mami Wata in African folklore and tales. From the Democratic Republic of Congo’s La Sirène ("The Mermaid"), Madame Poisson ("Mistress Fish"), Dominican’s Maman de l'Eau ("Mother of the Water"), French Guiana’s Manmandlo to Grenada’s Mamadjo, the list is almost endless.
Despite the purported links to European mermaids, the narrative of Mami Wata has asserted herself as not only the mother of the water, but a unifying deity, a figure to be both revered and feared. Her narrative has transcended the boundaries of a mythological creature, becoming a goddess of considerable influence.
References
- Bunis, Olga. “Exploring the Enchantment of Mermaids in Africa: A Deep Dive into Myth and Reality.” Mermaids Vibe, January 12, 2024. https://mermaidsvibe.com/blogs/news/exploring-the-enchantment-of-mermaids-in-africa-a-deep-dive-into-myth-and-reality.
- Ballenger, Rebecca. “A Dozen Books on African Mythology: The Significance of Black Mermaids and Sirens • Worlds of Words.” Worlds of Words, June 29, 2022. https://wowlit.org/blog/2022/06/01/a-dozen-books-on-african-mythology-the-significance-of-black-mermaids-and-sirens/.
- Campo, Chris. “Mami-Wata & The Mermaids in African Mythology.” SwaliAfrica Magazine, June 16, 2016. https://blog.swaliafrica.com/mami-wata-the-mermaids-in-african-mythology/.
- Posts, View All of Ken’s. “Creatures from African Mythology: Jengu.” The Illustrationist, January 5, 2013. [https://theillustrationist.com/2013/01/01/creatures-form-african-mythology-jengu/.](https://theillustrationist.com/2013/01/01/creatures-form-african-mythology-jengu/)
- Wikipedia. “Simbi,” March 7, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simbi.
- Wikipedia. “Kianda,” April 26, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kianda.
- Wikipedia. “Bunzi,” March 3, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunzi.
