MAKERI
neutralSpirit
Makeri, also called Sarikin Makera, "the chief of the blacksmiths", is an iska spirit of the bori possession cult of the Hausa, in northern Nigeria and Niger. The Hausa word makeri means "blacksmith". A. J. N. Tremearne, in 1914, ranks him among the patron spirits of the trades and likens him to Dundurusu, the great blacksmith of the spirits who works iron in Jan Gari, the supernatural city of the bori. According to certain informants, Makeri and Dundurusu are said to be one and the same spirit. Like these protector spirits of a craft, Makeri sends his victims the pains proper to the work of the forge, in particular stiffened and aching arms and hands. During the ritual trance, the possessed adept mimes the gesture of the blacksmith who blows on the fire and beats the iron, and sings a song evoking the bellows left at home and the anvil. He illustrates the link, common in the bori, between a spirit and the ill bound to a human occupation.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Blacksmith of the Cycle. MAKERI transmutes matter through the sacred flame and keeps the tools of the thresholds. Bound to the Hausa 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 disease, embodiment of the power of Makeri
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Makeri mean?
Makeri means blacksmith in Hausa. The spirit is also named Sarikin Makera, the chief of the blacksmiths.
What is his role in the bori cult?
He is a patron spirit of the blacksmith's trade. He inflicts the pains bound to the working of iron, such as aching arms and hands, and is likened to the blacksmith spirit Dundurusu.
How does he manifest himself during the dances?
The possessed adept imitates the blacksmith working the bellows and striking the anvil, to a song describing the working of iron.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- A. J. N. Tremearne, The Ban of the Bori: Demons and Demon-Dancing in West and North Africa, Londres, Heath Cranton, 1914, p. 352.