NGEWO
allyGod
Ngewo is the supreme, creator god of the Mende of Sierra Leone. A celestial deity, he is held responsible for the creation of the universe, of humans, animals and plants, and is master of the great natural phenomena. He is described as a distant power, little involved in the daily life of his faithful, but who fixes the destinies, including the length of each life. According to tradition, Ngewo, wearied by the incessant solicitations of the humans he had at first come to help, withdrew into the heavens. He then delegated the essential part of his government to the dyinyinga, ancestral and natural spirits who administer human affairs and serve as intermediaries. Certain sources associate him with a feminine figure, Leve, considered his consort or an earlier creator deity venerated with him today.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Voice of the thunder. NGEWO calls humankind back to justice through the lightning and marks the beginnings. Bound to the Mende pantheon.
Sacred Mask
An ancient ritual mask of feathers, carved bone and crystal, engraved with symbols of creation and sky, embodiment of the power of Ngewo
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
Who is Ngewo?
The supreme, creator god of the Mende of Sierra Leone, a celestial deity at the origin of the universe and of human destinies.
Why did Ngewo withdraw from the world?
Tradition tells that after helping the humans, he wearied of their constant solicitations and withdrew into the heavens, entrusting the affairs of the world to the dyinyinga.
Is Ngewo associated with another deity?
Certain sources attach him to a feminine figure, Leve, presented as his consort or as an earlier creator deity venerated with him.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- Wikipedia (EN): Ngewo
- Britannica: Ngewo
- Encyclopedia of African Religion (A. Mazama): Ngewo