This blue green figure is a free interpretation of Jemanguà, the sea goddess Orixa of the Afrobrazilian Pantheon. Cadomblé is widespread in Brazil among blacks, mulatos and whites. Cerimonial colours play an essential role as an attribute of each god (Orixa). In this case colours are freely used because this blue-green figure has a bright yellow background (yellow is the attribute of another Orixa called Oxum, the goddess of rivers and lakes). Jemanguà is a motherly figure and furthemore the sea is a symbol of life. Nonetheless the sea is known for its brutality and violence. A very fleshy body beheld a mask instead of a face, representing the duplicity of motherhood. Orixas are always represented with masks because followers are supposed to be possessed by the Orixas while dancing in a state of trance.