Mariamman
Mariamman (literally, "Rain Mother") is a Tamil folk deity associated with nature—in both its nurturing as well as destructive aspects, particularly that of rain and smallpox. This nuanced duality stems from a culture far more ancient than Mariamman's present Hinduization. She thus enjoys a special privilege among the Dravidian Tamil masses, who have carried her across the seas as they too became dispersed and displaced.
The title "Karumariamman" ("Black Rain Mother") might remind one of the Black Madonna, who herself is possibly an amalgamation of older, pre-Christian pagan figures. Yet, due to the prevalence of colorism in South Asia, Karumariamman in the present day is rarely depicted with deeper skin tones; most paintings today tend to opt for a wheatish white instead. This Karumariamman painting aims to represent her as she is named.
Mariamman (literally, "Rain Mother") is a Tamil folk deity associated with nature—in both its nurturing as well as destructive aspects, particularly that of rain and smallpox. This nuanced duality stems from a culture far more ancient than Mariamman's present Hinduization. She thus enjoys a special privilege among the Dravidian Tamil masses, who have carried her across the seas as they too became dispersed and displaced.
The title "Karumariamman" ("Black Rain Mother") might remind one of the Black Madonna, who herself is possibly an amalgamation of older, pre-Christian pagan figures. Yet, due to the prevalence of colorism in South Asia, Karumariamman in the present day is rarely depicted with deeper skin tones; most paintings today tend to opt for a wheatish white instead. This Karumariamman painting aims to represent her as she is named.
Mariamman (literally, "Rain Mother") is a Tamil folk deity associated with nature—in both its nurturing as well as destructive aspects, particularly that of rain and smallpox. This nuanced duality stems from a culture far more ancient than Mariamman's present Hinduization. She thus enjoys a special privilege among the Dravidian Tamil masses, who have carried her across the seas as they too became dispersed and displaced.
The title "Karumariamman" ("Black Rain Mother") might remind one of the Black Madonna, who herself is possibly an amalgamation of older, pre-Christian pagan figures. Yet, due to the prevalence of colorism in South Asia, Karumariamman in the present day is rarely depicted with deeper skin tones; most paintings today tend to opt for a wheatish white instead. This Karumariamman painting aims to represent her as she is named.