Cyprien Tokoudagba
Lissa, God of Nature
Tôhôssou Alokpe: God of Water, God of the River
Cyprien Tokoudagba
Benin
Lissa, God of Nature 2008
Tôhôssou Alokpe: God of Water, God of the River 2008
acrylic on canvas
Courtesy of the artist and NERART Contemporary Art Gallery
These two gods, revered by West African culture, are creators, caretakers, and protectors of the natural world. Lissa created the skies and the earth. She embodies the symbols of the sun and the moon. Tôhôssou Alokpe, the god of water, is represented as a feminine figure, and wears jewels reserved for royalty.