Uhamiri
One of the “water spirits,” Uhamiri is referred to as Mami Wata. She is usually depicted as female with long dark hair and jewelry so bright that it can blind the viewer. Her unworldly beauty is thought to indicate that she is immortal. She is well known throughout western and central Africa. In Efuru, Uhamiri is described as the goddess of the lake and a very attractive woman.
Uhamiri is said to bring health and well-being to her followers, but it often comes with a price. To women who seek her, she will bring either fertility or beauty and wealth, but not both. When she appears to a man, she may ask him to promise to be faithful to her. If he is, she will bring him wealth and prominence. If he betrays her, she will take away everything he has worked for and leave him broken.
Reece Lockett, Spring 2021
One of the “water spirits,” Uhamiri is referred to as Mami Wata. She is usually depicted as female with long dark hair and jewelry so bright that it can blind the viewer. Her unworldly beauty is thought to indicate that she is immortal. She is well known throughout western and central Africa. In Efuru, Uhamiri is described as the goddess of the lake and a very attractive woman.
Uhamiri is said to bring health and well-being to her followers, but it often comes with a price. To women who seek her, she will bring either fertility or beauty and wealth, but not both. When she appears to a man, she may ask him to promise to be faithful to her. If he is, she will bring him wealth and prominence. If he betrays her, she will take away everything he has worked for and leave him broken.
Reece Lockett, Spring 2021