For centuries, the human race has had a complex relationship with water—while it is humble, it’s awe-inspiring; and although it gives life and nourishes the body, it also has the power to seduce and destroy. These themes and more are explored in-depth in the Cantor Arts Center’s new exhibit, Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and its Diasporas (Aug 4-Jan 2), through 500 years of traditional and contemporary arts inspired by Mother Water. This diverse array of works span several genres of art, such as sculpture, drawing, painting and religious objects, from the Caribbean, west and central Africa, Brazil and the United States.

Mami Wata embodies the essential, sacred nature of water, and is celebrated throughout most of Africa and the African Atlantic world. She is often portrayed as a mermaid, snake charmer or combination thereof. The exhibition introduces this iconic persona, then delves into Mami Wata’s ubiquitous presence and popularity in global religions and artistic traditions. It then concludes with an investigation of Mami Wata as a muse for today’s modern artists.

Among the 100 selections on view are Senegalese artist Zoumana Sane’s vibrant pigment and glass portrait of Mami Wata, depicting the goddess with two snakes wrapped around her body; Sierra Leonian sculptor John Goba’s vibrant multimedia Headdress, an elaborate sculpture of the goddess and fearsome mythologicial creatures; Nigerian painter Moyo Ogundipe’s vibrant Mami Wata acrylic painting on canvas; Haitian artist Roudy Azor’s satin, bead and sequin work “Lasirene-marassas trois,” depicting a mermaid with three bodies attached to one fish tail; and a wood and gilt figurehead from an unidentified vessel circa 1900-1925.

Surreal, fascinating and colorful, these provocative works not only highlight the different interpretations of this powerful goddess among different African cultures, but also reflects on the common thread that keeps these cultures inextricably linked.

When: Aug 4-Jan 2
Where: Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University campus, Lomita Drive at Museum Way
Hours: Wed-Sun, 11-5; Thurs, 11-8
More info: 650/723-4177; http://museum.stanford.edu

Photo: "Mami Wata" acrylic painting by Nigerian painter Moyo Ogundipe