21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
the diaspora returns to our spiritual heritage

For many members of the African diaspora, reconnecting with traditional African spirituality has been an important part of generational healing. This is a photo from a concept shoot that began simply representing the inward journey of female self-exploration. When elements such as the mirror, fan, and reverential tears became involved, it turned into an ode to my ancestral heritage and to Oshun, a river deity in Nigerian tradition.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Costa Rica
Copyright: © Laela Sequoia