Southern Girlz MAGAZINE
Endorsing Education, the Arts, Spiritual & Moral Behavior Through - THE VILLAGE CURRICULUM
History Club
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| Mami Wata Ancient West African Water Goddess |
Most all cultures have myths about mermaids. In
Africa, the legend of mermaids and mermen called
“nymphs”, were worshipped as goddesses and gods born
from the sea. For thousands of years the Egyptians,
Ethiopians, and people of Mali in West Africa prayed to
Mami Wata. She originated from, Isis, the Egyptian all-
goddess possessing the power of water and all things of
nature. Today she is known throughout Africa as a healer,
a guardian of nature, a seductress, and a supernatural
beauty.
The mythical goddess is portrayed with numerous
features from light to dark skin, and straight to coiled hair.
The goddess is also often shown with a snake coiled
around her waist. Slaves carried this myth to Haiti, Cuba,
Central and South America. The term Mami Wata is
commonly used to describe beautiful women in many parts
of West and Central Africa.
Africa, the legend of mermaids and mermen called
“nymphs”, were worshipped as goddesses and gods born
from the sea. For thousands of years the Egyptians,
Ethiopians, and people of Mali in West Africa prayed to
Mami Wata. She originated from, Isis, the Egyptian all-
goddess possessing the power of water and all things of
nature. Today she is known throughout Africa as a healer,
a guardian of nature, a seductress, and a supernatural
beauty.
The mythical goddess is portrayed with numerous
features from light to dark skin, and straight to coiled hair.
The goddess is also often shown with a snake coiled
around her waist. Slaves carried this myth to Haiti, Cuba,
Central and South America. The term Mami Wata is
commonly used to describe beautiful women in many parts
of West and Central Africa.