YEMAYA (West Africa, Brazil, Cuba, Haita)
“Mermaids, like other mythological creatures, have roots in many cultures, including the Ningyo of Japan, the Yawkyawk of Australia, La Sirene of Haiti, Iara of Brazil, and Sedna of North America. Their existence is woven throughout the world, but not nearly enough of their stories have been widely told.” ~Natasha Bowen
Read more from Natasha about Black mermaids in mythology
The oral tradition of Yemaya (Yemanja, Iemajá, Yemoja) was likely brought to Cuba by enslaved West Africans in the 16th Century. In the Yoruba religion, Yemaya is an Orisha (a God) and although her name’s spelling and pronunciation vary by geography, she is indisputably the Goddess of the ocean. Yemaya, the protector of Mothers and children remains a popular figure in African Mythology.
Take a deeper dive into the rich history of black mermaids, there is so much more to explore! Sources:
Black Pepper Magazine
Teen Vogue, The History of Yemaya
Have you had any encounters with this hidden creature?
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