Nymphs

Nymphs were native Italic water goddesses. The Latin term is lymphae but in inscriptions the Greek term nymphae was always used.

In Italy nymphs were associated with sources of fresh water, grottos and especially with healing springs. The grotto alludes to a cthonic character and thus they had a divinatory aspect as well.

In Roman iconography nymphs are depicted as young women with shell or hydria.

[references Larson "Nymphs" Green "Roman Religiona and Cult of Diana at Aricia"] ,