DYINYINGA
neutralSpirit
The dyinyinga are, in the traditional Mende religion of Sierra Leone, the spirits to whom the creator god Ngewo delegated the administration of human affairs. Withdrawn from the world, Ngewo lets these ancestral and natural spirits serve as intermediaries between him and the living. The sources distinguish two groups: the spirits of the ancestors, former members of the community, and genii associated with natural phenomena such as the rivers or the forests. Prayers, offerings and sacrifices are addressed to them, and some demand specific dishes. By reinforcing social norms and guiding collective decisions, they hold a central place in Mende religious life, where Ngewo remains distant.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Voice of its pantheon. DYINYINGA carries the memory of its tradition and weaves a thread into the Mabioni. Bound to the Mende pantheon. Its alignment depends on the invoker's protocol.
Sacred Mask
An ancient ritual mask of sacred wood, old metal and black stone, engraved with symbols of objects, embodiment of the power of Dyinyinga
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
What are the dyinyinga?
Intermediary spirits of the Mende tradition, charged by the creator Ngewo with administering human affairs between him and the living.
What kinds of spirits are they?
The sources distinguish two sorts: the spirits of the ancestors, and genii bound to natural elements such as the rivers and the forests.
How are they honoured?
Through prayers, offerings and sacrifices; certain dyinyinga demand particular dishes.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- Britannica: Ngewo
- Encyclopedia of African Religion (A. Mazama): Ngewo
- Wikipedia (EN): Ngewo