DESCRIPTION

Yemanjá, the Queen of the Sea, is a powerful deity in Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé and Umbanda, symbolising motherhood, fertility, and the ocean's life-giving force. For enslaved Africans in Brazil, she became a symbol of strength, resistance, and survival, embodying both the nurturing and protective aspects of motherhood. Her connection to the sea represented both a barrier and a potential path to freedom. Celebrated on February 2nd, Yemanjá Day is a day of reverence, where offerings are made to honour her. In the context of Brazil’s slave memory, Yemanjá represents the resilience of African heritage and the enduring spiritual strength of those who resisted and survived colonial oppression.

Hugo Canuto’s comics, particularly Contos dos Orixás II: O Rei do Fogo, showcase his unique ability to intertwine Afro-Brazilian mythology with vivid storytelling and striking illustrations. In this work, Canuto delves into the stories of the Orixás, bringing their rich narratives to life through dynamic art. Yemanjá, with her powerful association to the sea and motherhood, is often represented in his work, capturing both her nurturing and fierce aspects. Through his comics, Canuto celebrates these deities, including Yemanjá, emphasising their importance in Brazilian culture, while reflecting themes of strength, resistance, and the enduring legacy of African spirituality.