Mama-Glo is Grenadian culture as Djab-Djab and Oil-Down

by John Angus Martin

That Pastor Devon Rachae and others should regard the folk character/spirit Mama Glo as an “afront to Christianity” is definitely within their rights of free expression and based on their beliefs, but I’m afraid that his questioning of its relevance to Grenada is without foundation and a bit disingenuous.

It smacks of the ridiculous debate over whether the playing of Djab-Djab is devil worship. I totally get it that his conservatism might be affronted by the bare-breasted Mama-Glo (similar to the debate over carnival costumes or lack thereof), but he cannot deny the relevance of this and the other folk spirits/characters that have been part of our cultural landscape for centuries much like Christianity, all of them brought into these Indigenous islands. It can be argued that the belief in water spirits held by the Kalinago and others (and possibly incorporated into the Mama Glo) has been part of the Grenada/Camáhogne landscape before Christianity itself. And though it might appear to him to resemble the Medusa of Greek mythology, it is a syncretic/Creole creation like La diablesse, Soucouyant, Dwenn, Mama Maladie and Papa Bwa that’s unique to Grenadian (and Caribbean) folk culture, and a part of Grenada’s cultural identity.

To deny the relevance of Mama Glo and any of the other folk characters to the Grenada cultural landscape is to deny Grenada’s history and culture, and especially the journeys of those who created these characters that entertained them through difficult times and represent what little remains of their creativity and cultural expression. Any Grenadian has the right to reject any cultural representation they deem counter to their beliefs, but they cannot deny the relevance to the islands’ history and culture that many others have no issues with and celebrate as part of their culture.

The Mama Glo combines the European mermaid with the African river goddess as illustrated by its diverse characteristics. The French Patwa term Mama-Glo/Mama-Dlo is derived from the French maman de l’eau: “water mother,” but is a derivative of the Mami-Wata, a river goddess/spirit found throughout Western Africa, and also incorporates similar Amerindian beliefs. The spirit has been variously described as a beautiful woman, a mermaid, or an unattractive old woman who can be generous, yet deadly if ignored or disobeyed. She has a human head, but her lower half can be fish-like (similar to the European mermaid), or a large snake (derived from its West African progenitor), which she can use to strangle her victims.

The Mama-Glo has been blamed for the disappearance by drowning of individuals, usually men who may have spurned her love. It is believed that she will force anyone who looks at her to perform menial tasks like scratching her back or collecting fallen leaves. She can become very angry if her requests are refused. As the mother of the water, Shango worshippers and certain Spiritual Baptist sects regard(ed) her with reverence and made/make offerings to her at lakes, rivers and hot springs. It is also known as mermaid or merry maid. [Taken from A to Z of Grenada Heritage by John Angus Martin].