RUWA
allyGod
Ruwa is the supreme god of the traditional religion of the Chagga, a people settled on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania. His name means sun, the star with which he is identified, and he resides in the sky alongside the moon, described as his wife. In the western regions of the massif, notably at Machame and Masama, he is called Iruva. Ruwa is not held to be the creator of humanity but rather a liberator and a provider of subsistence, known for his clemency and his tolerance towards those who invoke him. The Chagga narratives tell that he first freed men then made them mortal and exposed to sickness after they had transgressed his interdict. Sacrifices were traditionally offered to him at noon. The two highest summits of Kilimanjaro, Kibo and Mawenzi, pass for his wives.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Ferryman of souls. RUWA ensures the circulation of souls and prevents stagnation between the worlds. Bound to the Chagga pantheon.
Sacred Mask
An ancient ritual mask of sacred wood, old metal and black stone, engraved with symbols of supreme, embodiment of the power of Ruwa
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ruwa mean?
It means sun, the star with which the god is identified in Chagga cosmology.
Is Ruwa the creator of the world?
The Chagga traditions present him less as the creator of humanity than as a liberator and a provider of subsistence, reputed for his clemency.
Are there other names for this deity?
Yes, in the western regions of Kilimanjaro, notably at Machame and Masama, he is called Iruva, a word that likewise designates the sun.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- Ruwa (god), Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruwa_(god))
- Charles Dundas, Kilimanjaro and Its People: A History of the Wachagga, Their Laws, Customs and Legends (1924)
- Otto F. Raum, Chaga Childhood: A Description of Indigenous Education in an East African Tribe (1940)