River Mumma (River Maiden, River Mistress)

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Salkey, Andrew, ed. Caribbean Folk Tales and Legends. London: Bogle-L’Ouverture Publications, 1980

The figure of the River Mumma or River Maiden is similar to and likely to have risen from the story of the mermaid.  She is also one of the dominant figures in Jamaica’s folklore and is regarded with much fear and sacredness. According to legend, she lives at the fountainhead of large water sources in Jamaica and is usually seen sitting on top a rock, combing her long black tresses with a golden comb. Her appearances are usually made at mid-day, however, she disappears if she observes anyone approaching. Conversely, if an intruder sees her first and their eyes meet, terrible things will happen to the intruder.

 In times gone by people would go to the rivers at stated times to sing , dance myal and bring food for the River Mumma. In addition, the fish of the rivers she inhabits were regarded as her children and should not be touched for fear of suffering as a consequence. It was also believed that if a River Mumma was caught the river would dry up.

The Golden Table

 Brown, Suzanne Francis. The Mystery of the Golden Table. Jamaica: ArawakPublications, 2000.

Though some question the connection of the round golden table with the River Mumma story they are usually told with reference to each other. It is believed that wherever the River Mumma resides, if the fountain was deep and blue a golden table would be found. At midday, the table appeared at the surface of the water, however, as soon as it was disturbed it quickly sunk.

 The story is told of an attempt on a sugar estate to retrieve the golden table, using oxens and chains to pull it out. However, after it was hitched, it drew the oxen embracing several yokes to the bottom of the river with it. The golden table is believed to have been deposited by the Spaniards who were fleeing the island when the English invaded in 1655.