Yemaya is the Yoruba orisha of the ocean, motherhood, fertility and fluid sexuality. As a goddess of the sea, I depicted her rising from the water in a light blue dress, almost the same color as the water. Her dress ripples and falls over her body as waves. Blue is also one of her symbols in Yoruba mythology. To emphasize her connection to the sea, I’ve adorned her with many pearls in her hair, necklace and belt. Silver is associated with Yemaya, therefore I’ve added silver details to her dress and necklace.

The cowrie shells in her hair and necklace symbolize wealth, prosperity and fertility. Yemaya is also revered as a goddess of fertility and is believed to be able to cure infertility in women. The cowrie shell is seen as a symbol of fertility, because of its shape. The shell’s curved back represents a pregnant belly and the elongated central slit on the front of the shell is said to resemble a woman’s private parts. Orisha Yemaya is associated with fluid sexuality.

I’ve depicted her with wide curls, which remind me of beautiful ocean waves and freedom. The crescent moon shines on her and lights up the painting. Yemaya is known as the ocean goddess of the crescent moon to the Brazilian Macumba.

It’s also believed that goddess Oshun is her younger sister.

The artwork is painted with lightfast aquarelle on acid free 300gsm watercolor paper.

The painting comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The size of the painting is 56 × 76 cm

It was painted in 2026.