Who is Mami Wata?

Myth of mermaids is popular all around the world, but the African water spirit Mami Wata remained respected and celebrated from the time before the African nations came in contact with Europe, through the ages, and even up to today where she is venerated in West, Central, Southern Africa and the diaspora in Americas.

Is Mami Wata a mermaid or a snake woman?

In time Mami Wata image has shifted more or less from a mermaid to a snake woman which became a sort of definitive image of Mami Wata. This happened in the 19th century and there’s a strange story behind it. Circa 1887, a chromolithograph of a female Samoan snake charmer appeared in Nigeria.

What is a good gift for Mami Wata?

Offerings to the spirit are also important, and Mami Wata prefers gifts of delicious food and drink, alcohol, fragrant objects (such as pomade, powder, incense, and soap), and expensive goods like jewelry. Modern worshippers usually leave her gifts of manufactured goods, such as Coca-Cola or designer jewelry.

Why is Mami Wata blamed for the misfortunes?

In such events, it is believed that Mami Wata can possess the dancers and speak to them, whishing them the successful, healthy and fertile life. However as all deities that are water based, she is blamed for many of the misfortunes that happen in the sea.