American Museum of Natural History

Flying Fish with Bubbles
Steel, wood, paint, feathers. 1995
Collection of the artist

Kalabari people believe that a certain class of spirits known as owu, or "water people," control the tides and water levels, as well as the movements and quantity of fish. Fishermen must pay special attention to the spirits who control particular fishing spots and be ready to honor them when they appear during the masquerade cycle.

<-- Back Next -->