Indiana University Press (Bloomington, IN)
18 December 2008
book review
A rich, multifaceted appraisal of Mami Wata and other water deities in Africa and beyond. "[A] major study, not just on Mami Wata, but also a seminal study in the field of African art history as a whole."—Rowland Abiodun, Amherst College
"[It] will serve as the definitive volume on Mami Wata and related deities for many years to come."—Elisha Renne, University of Michigan
Sacred Waters focuses on the arts, rituals, and religions associated with Mami Wata and other deities in Africa and its diasporas. Mami Wata, pidgin English for Mother Water, is a beautiful, seductive water spirit who brings wealth and good fortune to those she favors. Practices associated with winning her favor, widespread in West Africa and the Black Atlantic diaspora, are explored in 46 rich and perceptive essays by an international group of scholars and practitioners. This book addresses the diversity of belief and practice, audiences, gender, reception, hybridity, commodification, globalization, dispersal, and religious mutation of Mami Wata rituals. It includes more than 129 images and a supplemental DVD featuring nearly 500 images, several photographic essays, and film clips of performance/rituals, and music. As the first volume to probe the depth and scope of water deity arts and cultures, Sacred Waters is a definitive resource and landmark reference tool for readers in a wide range of academic disciplines.
Henry John Drewal is Evjue-Bascom Professor of Art History and Afro-American Studies, University of Wisconsin–Madison.
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