Yemaya: Orisha, Goddess, and Queen of the Sea

Yemaya, queen of the sea, first emerged in Yorubaland (now in modern Nigeria). A primordial deity considered the mother of all, some perceive her to be at the root of numerous ancient goddesses, including Isis. During the Middle Passage, Yemaya accompanied her enslaved devotees to the Western Hemisphere, where her veneration took root and flourished. She is among the most beloved and prominent spirits of Candomblé, Santeria, and other African diaspora traditions.