n a i a d

In Greek mythology, the Naiads are a type of female spirit, or nymph, presiding over fountains, wells, springs, streams, brooks and other bodies of fresh water.

Naiads were often the object of archaic local cults, worshipped as essential to humans. Boys and girls at coming-of-age ceremonies dedicated their childish locks to the local naiad of the spring. In places like Lerna their waters' ritual cleansings were credited with magical medical properties. Animals were ritually drowned there. Oracles might be situated by ancient springs.

This piece was inspired by a hike with my canine companion near a stream on a hot day late in the summer, where the bits of foliage and fauna floated above and around the water illuminated by the sun. It was surreal to stop and fantasize about how this was perceived in ancient times.