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 Gran Simba is the mother of the Simbi nation. In Descent of the Loa by Deita (Mercedes Guignard), Papa Simbi says:
"Ma femme est la Grann dlo, Manman Simba. Elle ne se manifeste presque pas. Elle a trop a faire. Cependant elle prend soin de mes visiteurs. Dans une ceremonie, on n'oubliera jamais de citer Grann Dlo et les sen dlo, nos 40 filles qui comme moi sont de la nanchon Congo. Grann simba protege contre les courants, guide les passeurs durant crues de rivieres, escarte les arbes deracines par le vent sur leur passage."
Papa Simbi approuva. Il hocha la tete. Il reprit en langage et mon guide traduisit. Grann Simba sauve de la mort ceux qui tombent dans l'eau par accident. Mais si c'est la volonte de Dieu qui agit, elle laissera faire. Car aucun Loa n'a le droit de contrecarrier les desseins de Deiu. Si la noyade est le prodcuit de la mechancete des hommes Grann Simba s'y opposera en rescapant le noye."
I think the last part has to do with Gran Simba saving folks from drowning, but not if it goes against the will of God. But if men are willing to do one another in, then, she will oblige them as well!
I envision Gran Simba as a crowned snake (because St. Anne is wearing a gold crown), in shimmering copper and green scales (St. Anne's colors), very regal, very remote. She is definitely a water Lwa, being Kongo to start with, and with her earthly attributes having to do with water (sailors, drowning men, etc.) And she would be surrounded by her daughters. St. Anne in Catholic hagiography is the mother of Mary the Virgin. St. Anne de Beaupre is dressed in copper and green, a large gold crown on her head, standing on the water of the world and holding a small girl child, dressed in blue and gold in her arms. Just seems to make sense to me. I've not heard about her through Haitian channels.
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