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African Deities
This is a list of African spirits as well as deity, deities found within the traditional African religions. It also covers spirits as well as deities found within the African religions—which is mostly derived from traditional African religions. Additionally, prominent mythic figures including heroes and legendary creatures may also be included in this list. Akan mythology, Akan *Abu-Mehsu *Amokye *Anansi *Asase Ya *Bosomtwe *Ntikuma *Katarwiri *Kwase Benefo *Kweku Tsin *Nyame *Owuo *Tano (mythical figure), Tano *Abam Kofi Alur people, Alur * Jok Odudu Bambara people, Bambara *Bemba (mythology), Bemba *Chiwara *Duga *Faro *Kontron *Muso Koroni *Ndomadyiri *Ninki Nanka, Ninimini *Sanen *Suruku *Teliko Baganda * Katonda (mythology), Katonda *Ggulu *Kibuka (mythology), Kibuka *Kitaka *Kiwanuka *Mukasa (mythology), Mukasa *Musisi *Nambi (mythology), Nambi *Warumbe *Wanema *Wanga (mythology), Wanga Bahumono *Owazi Chagga religion, Chagga *Ruwa (god) Loki dialect, Boloki ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Africa
Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent after Asia. At about 30.3 million km2 (11.7 million square miles) including adjacent islands, it covers 20% of Earth's land area and 6% of its total surface area.Sayre, April Pulley (1999), ''Africa'', Twenty-First Century Books. . With nearly billion people as of , it accounts for about of the world's human population. Demographics of Africa, Africa's population is the youngest among all the continents; the median age in 2012 was 19.7, when the worldwide median age was 30.4. Based on 2024 projections, Africa's population will exceed 3.8 billion people by 2100. Africa is the least wealthy inhabited continent per capita and second-least wealthy by total wealth, ahead of Oceania. Scholars have attributed this to different factors including Geography of Africa, geography, Climate of Africa, climate, corruption, Scramble for Africa, colonialism, the Cold War, and neocolonialism. Despite this lo ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ninki Nanka
A Ninki Nanka is a legendary creature in West African folklore. Description The Ninki Nanka has been described as "the most frightening spirit around the lower Gambia" and as "a sea spirit, a dragon-like creature with the attributes of a 'devil'." According to Lady Southorn, local residents were "dogged by fear of devils and chief among these is the Ninki Nanka... fseen by a man is a sure sign of approaching death." The Ninki Nanka kept many lower Gambians away from fertile swamps, rivers, hills, and creeks, and the creature was often believed to inhabit swampy forests. Descriptions of the creature vary across different tribes, but most contend that the animal is reptilian. It is depicted as having the head of a crocodile with the body of a donkey or a blend of hippopotamus and giraffe, and sometimes simply as a large snake. Some accounts of the legendary creature describe it as a 9m or 30-foot long marsh-dwelling beast having a body like that of a crocodile and long neck lik ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Libanza
Libanza is a legendary figure in Boloki and Upoto mythologies. In Boloki mythology, Libanza is a heroic character who is depicted as the first man, while in Upoto mythology, Libanza is a supreme god worshipped for creating the universe. In Boloki mythology Libanza was born from a mother figure who gave birth to all animals of the earth. Before his birth, Libanza's shield, spears, and chair left his mother's womb first. Libanza's father was already killed by this time by an unknown figure when he was stealing fruits for his wife. Libanza eventually found out about this and went on a journey to pursue his father's murderer with his sister, Nsongo. He later succeeded in avenging his father's death by killing his murderer. Libanza also had shape-shifting abilities, which he later used in his other adventures. In Upoto mythology As the creator god in Upoto mythology, Libanza is also associated with an origin-of-death myth involving two groups of people: the people of the earth and t ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Loki Dialect
Loki (Boloki), or Ruki, is a Bantu language spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is very close to Lingala. The Boloki (Baloki) people are named after the Ruki River The Ruki () is a river in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a left tributary of the Congo River. It may be seen as the lower reach of the Busira River, which in turn may be seen as the lower reach of the Tshuapa River. Location The ...; they live on either side of the Congo River where the Ruki joins it. References {{Narrow Bantu languages (Zones C–D) Languages of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Bangi-Ntomba languages ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ruwa (god)
Ruwa is the supreme god of the ancient Chagga religion of the Chagga people of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. It was practiced before German colonial occupation in the 1890s. Ruwa is one of the Bantu many prominent deities of the Bantu people The Bantu peoples are an Indigenous peoples of Africa, indigenous ethnolinguistic grouping of approximately 400 distinct native Demographics of Africa, African List of ethnic groups of Africa, ethnic groups who speak Bantu languages. The language ... of East and southern Africa. Overview In Chagga cosmology, Ruwa, who was associated with the sun, is believed to reside in the sky alongside his consort, the moon. Sacrifices to Ruwa are traditionally performed at high noon. While these superior spirits typically do not intervene directly in human affairs, the spirits of the deceased, who inhabit the earth, play a more active role in the lives of the living. The spirit world is perceived as a reflection of the earthly realm, populated with powerful ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Chagga Religion
Chagga religion (''Dini ya Wachagga'' in Swahili, ''Vanruvairuwa'' in Kichagga) was the pre-colonial Bantu religion of the Chagga people of the former Chagga states on the slopes of Kilimanjaro in present-day Tanzania. Overview In Chagga cosmology, the natural and supernatural realms are intertwined, with every aspect of the world considered to possess a supernatural influence. Human actions are believed to carry significant otherworldly implications, where misfortunes may arise from improper conduct leading to ancestral punishment, the malevolent practices of individuals, or the negative intentions of either people or spirits. The attribution of misfortune is often a subject of debate within the community. Conversely, the explanation for good fortune involves the need to coax favorable outcomes from a universe inhabited by capricious ancestral spirits and potent forces. This coaxing is achieved through ritual acts aimed at appeasing and controlling these spirits. A prominent de ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Bahumono
The Bahumono (Ehumono, Kohumono) are a southeastern Nigerian ethnic group that primarily resides in the Abi local government area of Cross River State. They are the largest ethnic group in the region. They speak the Kohumono language. History The Bahumono live along the Cross River, but according to Bahumono tradition and folklore, the group migrated from Hotumusa. Hotumusa, is the land where the rock Ekpon á Rara is located. And it is that land, the Bahumono consider their spiritual and ancestral homeland. During the colonial era, the Bahumono opposed the laws of the British Empire. The Bahumono, alongside other upper Cross River tribes, foiled the Cross River expeditions of 1895, 1896 and 1898. These particular efforts resulted in the deaths of several British personnel. The Bahumono were once part of the Aro Confederacy although, as of now, the tribe consists of eight villages: Ebijakara (Ebriba), Ebom, Ediba, Usumutong, Anong, Igonigoni, Afafanyi, and Abeugo. Th ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Wanga (mythology)
Wanga is a member of the Baganda pantheon of gods or ''balubaale'', and is associated with divination and health. He is said to be one of the first Baganda heroes to ascend into godhood. Representation Wanga is considered as one of the oldest members of the ''balubaale''. Family Wanga is the son of Wadda and Bukulu. Bukulu was created by Katonda and descended to earth with Kintu. Wanga is the third child of Wadda and Bukulu and has two other siblings; Musisi, another member of the balubaale who is associated with the earthquake phenomenon, and Laba. Myths The temple of Wanga It was said that the Sun once fell from the sky. This caused darkness to befall upon the world, and the king of Baganda requested the help of Wanga, who at the time resided in Ssese Islands. Wanga decided to lend his aid, and set out to Baganda. Then, he returned the Sun to its rightful position. As a reward, the king of Baganda built a temple in his honor.{{Cite book, last=Whiteley, first=Wilfre ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Warumbe
Warumbe or Walumbe is a character in the Ganda creation myth, the legend of Kintu. He is the son of Ggulu and the brother of Nambi. His name in the Luganda language means 'disease' or 'death' and he is responsible for death on Earth according to Gandan mythology. Legend In the origin myth, Kintu, the first man, meets Nambi, the daughter of the heavenly deity Ggulu (also known as Mugulu). Upon learning of Kintu's existence, Ggulu orders his sons to steal Kintu's cow. Nambi is enraged by this and decides to bring Kintu to heaven. Kintu is then given many trials from Ggulu. After Kintu passes all of Ggulu's tests, Ggulu gives him his daughter among other gifts to take back to Earth. He gives them several vegetable plants, a hen, and some millet. He warns them then to hurry back to Earth to avoid gaining the attention of Nambi's brother Warumbe (also known as Walumbe) who he had sent away on an errand to prevent him from meeting Kintu. He specifically tells them not to come back fo ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Nambi (mythology)
Nambi is the daughter of Mugulu, also known as Ggulu in some versions of Baganda mythology. In the Ugandan creation myth, it is Nambi and her younger sister who discover Kintu, the first man. Nambi helps Kintu throughout his journey and trials, and eventually becomes his wife and mother of his children. Mythological character The Ugandan creation story begins with Kintu, the first man, wandering Earth with only his possessions on him and his cow. For many days he wandered in Uganda alone, until suddenly, Nambi and her younger sister dropped down from heaven. Nambi is curious to see the man, unknowing who or what he is, nor what kind of creature his cow is. Kintu also sees the sisters, but instead of approaching them, keeps his distance. Nambi eventually approaches Kintu, asking what animal is with him and tells him that neither her or her sister had ever seen a man before. After their meeting, Nambi and her sister discuss the interaction. Nambi decides that Kintu is a man, and upo ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Mukasa (mythology)
Mukasa, known as Mugasa in the Runyakitara/Rutara languages, is a member of the pantheon of gods or ''balubaale'' in Baganda traditional religion and is considered the god of prosperity, harvest, fertility, and health. In several accounts, he is also associated with divination and prophecies. Mukasa was originally a hero who ascended to become a deity. He is one of the highest ranked gods in the ''balubaale'', and in some sources, is known as its chief. Mukasa is also recognized as the guardian of Lake Victoria. His primary temple is located in Bubembe Island and is still present to this day. Representation Mukasa is depicted as a benevolent god or ''lubaale''. He is supposed to dwell in lakes. According to Apollo Kaggwa's (1934) accounts of the Baganda people, Mukasa is one of the most important gods and is widely worshipped. Family Mukasa is the son of the god Wanema and is the grandson of Musisi, the personification of earthquake An earthquakealso called a quak ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Kibuka (mythology)
Kibuka, also known as Kibuuka, is a member of the ''balubaale'' or pantheon of gods in the religion of the Baganda people, who resides in present-day Uganda. He is thought to be a war god. Representation Kibuuka often provides advice to Baganda kings during times of war, diseases, as well as other catastrophic events like mass deaths . According to some sources, Kibuka, just like his older brother Mukasa, used to be mortal but ascended to godhood. Family Kibuuka is the younger brother of Mukasa, the god of lakes and oceans, prosperity, fertility, and harvest. They are both the sons of Wanema, and the grandsons of Musisi, who is depicted as the embodiment of the earthquake. Myths Death of Kibuka According to one myth, Kibuuka was sent by his father, Wanema, to assist one of the Baganda kings, Nakibinge, who was in the middle of a war with the people of Bunyoro. Kibuuka helped devised the plan to defeat them, and his role was to strike the Bunyoro soldiers from the cloud ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
