"Sacred Waters" focuses on the arts, rituals, and religions associated with Mami Wata deities in Africa and the African diaspora. Mami Wata, pidgin English for Mother Water, is a beautiful, seductive water spirit who brings wealth and good fortune to those she favours. Practices associated with winning her favour, widespread in West Africa and the Black Atlantic diaspora, are explored in 46 rich and perceptive essays by an international group of scholars and practitioners. This book addresses the diversity of belief and practice, audiences, gender, reception, hybridity, commodification, globalization, dispersal, and religious mutation of Mami Wata rituals. It includes more than 129 images and a supplemental DVD featuring nearly 500 images, a photographic essay, and video clips of Mami Wata rituals.As the first volume to probe the depth and scope of Mami Wata culture, "Sacred Waters" is a definitive resource and landmark reference tool for readers in a wide range of academic disciplines.