Liberian Beliefs: Mammy Water

Information found in: Mammy Water: Folk Beliefs and Psychotic Elaborations in Liberia

The origin of Mammy Water has similar connections to other tribes in Africa.  Mammy Water is connected with supernatural powers associated with animate objects and inanimate objects.  Some animate objects are birds, fish, and reptiles.  The inanimate objects are rivers, valleys, mountains, and forests.  Also her origin can be in contact with foreigners: Arabs, Europeans, and Americans.  Mammy Water is most directly related with water, mountains, and valleys. 

Similar to other cultures in Africa, Mammy Water is described as having white or light-skin.  This is often seen as reflecting the desirability of having light skin.  Light-skinned women are supposed to be more attractive and more sexual as a partner or wife.  Light colored skin is commonly linked with social status and economic background.  Persons with whiter or lighter skin may be more likely to get a better education, occupation, and political advancement. 

Most devotees or followers first encounter Mammy Water by the water or by the bus.  This produces procedures for preparation and the offering of sacrifice to both mountain and water spirits.  Sacrifices for her are usually offered at places where the water is dark, deep and still and also where previous Mammy Water offerings have been made. 

Liberia's water spirit, Mammy Water, is connected with Loma beliefs.  The Loma tribe claims, "In our area people worship the water, but the people believe that Mammy Water is something separate from water spirit worship.  There are several places in the river that are the homes of the water spirits and these water spirits represent dead ancestors of the tribe.  Sacrifices of white chickens, rice, and white kola nuts are made at these places three times a year.  Along with the sacrifices, prayers are offered.  The spirits of our ancestors guard these sacred water areas for the good of the tribe and people are only permitted to fish there at one time of the year." 

Portuguese were the first non-Africans to interact with Liberia and in the areas of Mammy Water worship in the Fifteenth Century.  The British, Dutch, and the French were soon to follow.  Europeans possessed a highly developed folklore involving mermaids and legends of Lorelei maidens. 

Testimonies from Liberia

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