Black Goddess
Koashung, Taiwan
In the southern city of Koashung in Taiwan, an image of the black godess Matsu. Unusual for Taiwan, which is both Taoist and Buddhist, this godess is related to the distant black godesses in India and Egypt.
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Joan Fabian writes:
I believe this is a juxtaposition of the Hindu goddess Kali (creater/destroyer mother god) with a ceremony ritual in China.
St. Paco writes:
Matsu, the protectress of Fujian, China is known as the "Goddess of the Sea." Patron saint of sea farers, and those crossing the waters, she is also called "The Mother," and "Queen of Heaven." The worship of Matsu began about 1,000 years ago, and was brought by the earliest settlers from mainland China to Taiwan, where there are now more than 500 temples dedicated to her. The Matsu pictured here reflects her relation to the Goddess Kali, the fierce protectress of India who, while also black, is often displayed with her tongue extended. And, like Kali before her, Matsu reflects the heritage of the Goddess Isis, the black protectress of Egypt, "Queen of Heaven," and ancient patron saint of sea farers, and all those crossing the water.
William writes:
The image you show here is not Matsu! It is not even a goddess! It is a general that killed himself thinking that his friend that he was to meet was dead... his tongue is out because he hung himself... it has nothing to do with Kali or with Matsu.