Rachel Smith Illustration

The Yoruba water deity, often depicted with a fish tail. She is the guardian of women, of children, of the tranquil surface waters. The protector of pregnancy and mothers. She is benevolent and kind, but can be raised to ferocious storms when angered. She embodies love and fertility, wraps herself in deep blue cloth, and adorns her body and her shores with cowrie shells and pearls. She is the moon. She is in the ocean, and in rivers and lakes. She traveled the seas with the slave ships, watching over her people as they were torn from their homes. She traveled to Cuba, to Haiti. To America.

I am selling prints, trays (traveling alters), towels and bath mats featuring this digital illustration of Yemaya. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Sisters of Nia.

Sisters of Nia, Inc. a is a Sacramento based organization that provides an innovative curriculum which focuses on building self-esteem and self-respect, peer relationships, conflict management, leadership skills, and academic achievement for Black Girls through the 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Emphasis is also placed on individual and community responsibility; building communication between mothers and daughters as well as fathers and daughters; sex education and early pregnancy prevention; and entrepreneurial skills. 

Go to Rachel's Society6 Page