Qui est Soko chez les Nupe?

Soko est le nom nupe du dieu suprême. C'est un dieu du ciel et créateur, dont le nom désigne la voûte céleste et celui qui y réside. Après la création, il se serait retiré loin des hommes.

Comment Soko se manifeste-t-il?

La tradition nupe le décrit comme un être lointain qui communique par l'intermédiaire des esprits. On lui prête le pouvoir d'envoyer la foudre pour châtier les voleurs, et on l'associe au ciel sombre de la saison des pluies.

Soko a-t-il vraiment introduit la sorcellerie?

Cette affirmation n'est pas confirmée par les sources fiables. Soko est surtout attesté comme dieu du ciel et créateur; l'ethnographie de S. F. Nadel documente la religion nupe sans en faire l'instigateur de la sorcellerie. Ce point reste incertain.

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SOKO

ally

God

✦ SoulNupe →Nupe — NupeElder

Gender: MasculineSign: création

Soko is the name of the supreme god among the Nupe of central Nigeria. The term designates the celestial vault and the one who inhabits it: Soko is above all a sky god, creator of the world, who then withdrew far from men and communicates only through the spirits. He is linked to the dark sky announcing the rainy season. The Nupe tradition lends him the power to hurl lightning to punish thieves. A figure of the distant and sovereign supreme being, Soko is documented by ethnography, notably the works of S. F. Nadel on the Nupe religion, even if the accessible sources remain limited. Certain compilations also associate with him a narrative on the origin of death. On the other hand, the idea of a god who introduced witchcraft is not clearly established by the reliable sources and must be considered with caution.

Powers & Attributes

creationwitchcraft

Role in the ROHO universe

Weaver of the invisible threads. SOKO handles the subtle energies and teaches the language of correspondences. Bound to the Nupe pantheon.

Sacred Mask

An ancient ritual mask of vegetable ivory, amethyst and sacred wood, engraved with symbols of creation and witchcraft, embodiment of the power of Soko

Era

Ancient cycle

Frequently asked questions

Who is Soko among the Nupe?

Soko is the Nupe name of the supreme god. He is a sky god and creator, whose name designates the celestial vault and the one who resides there. After the creation, he is said to have withdrawn far from men.

How does Soko manifest himself?

The Nupe tradition describes him as a distant being who communicates through the intermediary of the spirits. To him is lent the power to send lightning to chastise thieves, and he is associated with the dark sky of the rainy season.

Did Soko really introduce witchcraft?

This affirmation is not confirmed by the reliable sources. Soko is above all attested as sky god and creator; the ethnography of S. F. Nadel documents the Nupe religion without making him the instigator of witchcraft. This point remains uncertain.

Related spirits

OGUWU ORI EGUNGUN YEWA

Sources and references

S. F. Nadel, Nupe Religion (1954)
Daryll Forde, The Nupe, dans Peoples of the Niger-Benue Confluence, Ethnographic Survey of Africa, Western Africa Part X, International African Institute (1955)