Eschetewuarha
Appearance
Eschetewuarha ("Mother of the universe") is a mother goddess of the Chamacoco people. She is the dominant deity in Chamacoco mythology.[1]
Eschetewuarha is described as the mother of many spirits known as guarã,[2] including forest spirits,[1] as well as of the Osasero birds, who are associated with clouds. Eschetewuarha is the wife of the Great Spirit, who she controls and dominates.[3] As the mother of clouds, Eschetewuarha controls rain, and she ensures that mankind obtain water and the Sun does not burn the earth.[2] In return, Eschetewuarha expects people to send songs to her every night. If they failed to do so, Eschetewuarha will punish them.[1]
Eschetewuarha is comparable to Gauteovan, the mother goddess of the Kogi people.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Zerries, Otto (1987). "South American Indian Religions: An Overview". Encyclopedia.com. Translated by Maressa, John. Archived from the original on 2021-05-11. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
- ^ a b Métraux 1946, pp. 350–351.
- ^ Métraux 1949, p. 563.
Bibliography
[edit]- Métraux, Alfred (1946). "Ethnography of the Chaco". In Steward, Julian Haynes (ed.). Handbook of South American Indians: The Marginal Tribes. Vol. 1. U.S. Government Printing Office. pp. 197–370.
- Métraux, Alfred (1949). "Religion and Shamanism". In Steward, Julian Haynes (ed.). Handbook of South American Indians: The Comparative Ethnology of South American Indians. Vol. 5. U.S. Government Printing Office. pp. 559–600.