a magical Malagasy goddess

Design © Laura Martinez — be cool and don’t take this without consent, thank youuuuu!

My time in Madagascar changed my life. It was a big era of change and growth personally and creatively. It was also the first time I really felt a deep connection to spirituality, or at least one that I could name.

Malagasy mythology, a polytheistic oral history of gods and goddesses in Madagascar, inspires me so much. I love the richness of their lore, and the presence of strong goddesses (where monotheistic beliefs mostly erase the woman or put her in the back seat).

Most of the gods (as I was introduced to them — it varies by village) were connected to earth’s cycles. They would bring you good fortune, or mischief or darkness, depending on how you behaved in society, and how you respected your ancestors. The words for “god/goddess” and “ancestor” were sometimes used interchangeably. I love the importance of family and heritage.

It was so magical to create this Malagasy-inspired goddess, and then to tattoo her on the lovely Chrys. It feels like a sacred and spiritual gift, to share this reminder of the importance of family, nature, and strong femininity.

If you’d like to commission a goddess of your own, inspired by any similar mythos, I will be so happy to do it for you!

Xx
Laura