Kianda (or Dandalunda) is a
goddess of the
sea, of the waters, and a protector of fishermen in traditional
Angolan culture.[1]
Veneration
Kianda was traditionally worshipped by throwing offerings such as food and clothing into the sea.[2][3] Every year the Luanda Island Feast is held to honor the deity.[4] The mosasaur Prognathodon kianda, found in Angola, was named after her.[5]
Arts and Literature
The Angolan author
Pepetela uses the Kianda as a central figure in his short story "Magias do Mar"[1] as well as his novel O Desejo de Kianda (lit. The Wish of Kianda, published in English as The Return of the Water Spirit).[6]