ALATANGANA
allyGod
Alatangana is one of the two creator beings of the mythology of the Kono, a people of forest Guinea. In the narrative, old Sa lived with his wife and daughter in the midst of a muddy darkness, a world without humans or animals. Alatangana came into this world, took mud from a marsh to shape the dry land, then laid vegetation upon it, making the world habitable. He fell in love with Sa's daughter and asked for her hand. Faced with the old man's refusal, he fled with her. They had fourteen children, seven boys and seven girls, regarded as the first humans and founders of distinct peoples. In reprisal, Sa demanded the right to claim one of Alatangana's children whenever he wished, designating them in his dreams. Thus, it is said, death was born. The myth articulates creation, transgression and the origin of mortality.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Mother of the soil. ALATANGANA holds the fertility of the earth and blesses wombs and seeds. Bound to the Kono pantheon.
Sacred Mask
An ancient ritual mask of fired clay, bronze and fossilised roots, engraved with symbols of creation and vegetation, embodiment of the power of Alatangana
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
What does Alatangana create?
He draws the dry land from the mud of a marsh and covers it with vegetation, making habitable the dark world where old Sa lived. Then, with Sa's daughter, he begets humanity.
Who is Sa in relation to Alatangana?
Sa is the other primordial being, an old man whose daughter Alatangana marries against his will. In reprisal, Sa claims children of the couple, which explains the origin of death.
Where does this myth come from?
From the traditions of the Kono, a people of Guinea. The narrative is reported in several collections of African creation myths.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- Wikipedia, Alatangana
- Wikidata Q4708799