Book description
Approximately 90 percent of Miskitu boys and men in the Río Plátano
Biosphere Reserve along the north coast of Honduras have worked as
deepwater divers in the lobster industry and their participation has
left an indelible imprint on their society. While lobster diving is
lucrative, it is also a life-threatening occupation and many divers
have been injured or killed from decompression sickness-locally
referred to as liwa mairin siknis (Mermaid sickness). According
to Miskitu folklore, the Mermaid is the main water spirit, owner of
all fresh and saltwater resources and capable of punishing male divers
for extracting too many of her lobsters. Wary of the wrath of the
supernatural liwa mairin, these men face another threat on
shore: Miskitu women who use sexual magic-praidi saihka-as a
tool to control men's wages and ensure that they continue to provide
them with money.
Interspersed with short stories, songs, and incantations, The
Mermaid and the Lobster Diver demonstrates the archetypes of
femininity and masculinity within Miskitu society, highlighting the
power associated with women's sexuality-as manifested in both goddess
and human form-and the vulnerable position of men.
Laura Hobson Herlihy is a lecturer at the Center of Latin American
Studies at the University of Kansas.
