River Queen Idol

A miniature sculpture made of reed and hardened clay resembling the characteristics of a Louisiana Demon Toad. Thought to be used by fanatical worshipers for rituals.

Appearance

The totem stands 9" (23cm) tall by 4" (10cm) wide. Its made out of clay with small fibers of reeds and grass peaking out from it. This suggests the totem was not made from artisan's hands; and was possibly manufactured from the clay near the Mississippi River's banks.
It depicts a large obese toad standing proud. Two sets of eyes with horizontal eclipsed pupils. Its tongue protrudes out, wrapping around its own body, and resting on the ground.
The figure is on a boxed base carved with wave-like patterns around its entirety. Where the tip of the tongue rests is a lip section on the base, suggesting an object or substance is placed there for a sacrificial offering.

History

Idols like these have been documented throughout history in the US. Some native tribes worshipped the toad as a spirit that brings good wealth to agriculture and food. Leaving a stockpile of food to offer the spirit will allow the next bountiful harvests, hunts, and fishing adventures to exponentially grow with each year. A win-win situation for both parties.
With American colonization, the culture of the River Queen began to emerge among European Americans.

- Church of The River Queen

Across the Mississippi River, fishing villages were established to reap the bounty the river provided. Overfishing in the river became a major issue. The ecosystem was tipping out of balance and the problem of low food became certain. Falling to last resort, American colonies began following the traditions of the river spirit, offering food for bountiful rewards. Adapting the cultural impacts the river spirit natives were idolizing.
Quantity and quality of food began to upscale, turning poor starving towns into prosperous settlements with bellies filled and smiles glistening. Further offerings were brought, perpetuating the reliance towards the 'River Queen', as her resence graced and called to them in their sleep.
Today, the church works out of Arkansas in close proximity to the River, attempting to spread their lord's word to passersby or missionaries they've begun to establish

Significance

The totem holds high religious remark amongst River Queen worshippers, seen as a miniature offering stand that homes would implement. Dropping chucks of meat, blood, scales, or fur on the statue's lip as a small token of appreciation.
Controversially, The Lousiana Demon Toad is infamous for its hypnotic capabilities, drawing followers to adore it in a religious light. Their main aim for this tactic is to gain a stronger defense to ward off enemies from attacking it; after all, a queen is hard to get to when an arm is in the way.
Additionally, Demon Toads are notorious for their fascination with human meat, with earlier documentations depicting natives sacrificing their own body to the spirit to allow a larger reap of rewards for their tribe. Possibly gaining and persuading followers to plump them up and eat them when ripe

by George Tsuogkouzidis

Pictured: Photograph of the Demon Toad Totem located at a small fishing village in Arkansas

Location of Origin
Along the Mississippi River
Material
Clay, Reed, and/or Stones

Item type

Religious / Ritualistic

Weight

11lb/5kg

Dimensions

9" x 4" / 23 x 10cm