The African goddess of the river is often known as Yemaya. She is revered in various cultures, especially within the Yoruba tradition and the Afro-Caribbean religions like Candomblé and Santería. Yemaya is commonly associated with the sea, motherhood, fertility, and the nurturing aspects of water. As a maternal figure, she embodies the protective and life-giving qualities of the river, making her a vital aspect of the spiritual and social fabric of her devotees' lives. Her worship underscores the significance of water as a source of life and sustenance.