The Mother Of The Wind

Formed from a mixture of earth, mud, and natural rubber drawn from the sap of a Congolese gum tree, this figure dates to the 1930s.  While mostly original, the ties on its arms, and the feathers in its head were replaced by the couple this item was purchased from - the date of this replacements is unknown, and when originally asked, I was told "sometime around 20 or 30 years ago" .  Known by the indigenous name Mama wa Upepo—translated from native Swahili as “Mother of the Wind”—it was said to contain a guardian spirit tasked with protecting children during a period of great unrest. The figure was acquired by an American couple who traveled extensively in their youth, collecting objects from distant cultures. Though they regarded the tale of its spirit with polite skepticism, they brought it to their home in Port Washington, Wisconsin, where it would remain in their possession for decades, later displayed in the antique shop they opened in their later years.

It was from them that the figure entered this collection—its first truly haunted acquisition, though that fact was not immediately recognized. Slightly smaller than the human forearm, the figure possesses a heavy, earthen presence and a quiet but unmistakable sense of watchfulness. Those who have interacted with it report that the spirit within is not malevolent by nature, but will not suffer disrespect.

On most occasions, its presence is subtle, manifesting only in fleeting impressions—a shift in air, a sensation of being observed. Yet when provoked, it reveals itself with unnerving clarity. One such incident occurred when a household cat inadvertently knocked the figure to the floor. Within hours, a tall, shadow-like form began to appear in the home, moving from room to room with deliberate intent. For several days, the entity made itself known to all occupants—two adults, two dogs, a cat, and six ferrets—slamming doors, opening and closing cabinets, and darting in and out of our gaze in a shadowy mass until the figure was restored to its place and treated with deliberate care. Since then, The Mother of the Wind has been handled with quiet reverence -its power respected, and its gaze never taken lightly.