In other instances, the Nummo were referred to as "Water Spirits". Although the Nummo were identified as being "Dieux d'eau" (gods of water) by Marcel Griaule, Ogotemmêli classified the Nummo as hermaphrodites. Their images or figures appeared on the female side of the Dogon sanctuary. They were primarily symbolized by the sun, which was a female symbol in the religion. In the Dogon language, the sun's name ("nay") had the same root as "mother" ("na") and "cow" ("nā"). They were symbolized by the colour red, a female symbol.