MA
neutralSpirit
An entity little attested in the accessible sources. Ma is presented as a servant of the god Fi, the supreme deity of the Jen, or Jenjo, a people of north-eastern Nigeria settled in the present-day State of Taraba, whose religion is close to that of the Jukun. Fi is there associated with the sun and considered the creator lord. The exact role of Ma in the creation of living beings is not confirmed by the available documentary references, and his name remains marginal in the ethnographic literature.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Founding presence. MA stands at the root of the world and sustains the weave since before the beginning. Bound to the Jen 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 creation, embodiment of the power of Ma
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
Who are the Jen?
The Jen, also called Jenjo or Dza, are a people of north-eastern Nigeria, in the State of Taraba. Their traditional religion is close to that of the Jukun and their god, Fi, is associated with the sun.
What precisely is known of Ma?
Very little. The accessible sources describe Ma as a servant of Fi linked to the creation of living beings, but this role is not corroborated by the consultable ethnographic literature.
Is Ma a major deity?
Nothing indicates it. The name remains marginal and the entity must be considered little attested, to be clearly distinguished from the supreme god Fi, who is better documented.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- Wikipedia (EN), Jenjo people
- Charles Kingsley Meek, Tribal Studies in Northern Nigeria, vol. II (1931)