Modernity and mystery: Mami Wata in African art (Page 3)
Original Oil Paintings Gallery
A specific example of Mami Wata devotion in Benin society is
that of Edo prophet Anthony Omorefe Bob-Eghaghe, known simply
by his followers as Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob incorporates Mami Wata
into his Christian ministry. Uncle Bob does not utilize the usual
Mami Wata imagery but surrounds himself with Christian imagery
such as the cross and paintings of Christ. He does not charge
a fee for his consultations but relies on gifts from satisfied
customers.
In the instances where Uncle Bob feels confident that he will
not estrange his customers he will intercede for them through
Mami Wata. In these intercessions he uses water, pomade and soaps
all usually associated with Mami Wata devotion. Mami Wata is also
said to appear to Uncle Bob at midnight from beneath the water.
At these appearances she advises Uncle Bob of her sacrifice requirements
for the solving of specific problems.
The influence of the exotic on the indigenous African art should
not necessarily be considered as a negative. The foreign influx
into the indigenous does not always mean the degradation of that
culture. Exotic images can be incorporated within indigenous African
art practices where the exotic images have an affiliation with
the images in indigenous African art. It is shown in this article
that Mami Wata is not a brand new spirit that has been created
but is rather an incorporation of diverse beliefs in water spirits
into one.
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