Inspired by Max Dashu’s post: Ahebi Ugbabe, the Female Leopard of Igboland
But first, some thoughts from Caryn: My son dated a gorgeous Nigerian woman who was extremely Christian (and ‘evangelical’ in her Christianity). One time, my son fell asleep during their visit, and her and I proceeded to have a discussion on God, Christianity, etc. You could see her ‘uncomfortable’-ness grow as I spoke about my Pagan beliefs. I have felt the same amidst Americans, but not this depth of emotion (fear) that I felt from her. I showed her my ‘Me’ room full of Goddess statues, sticks, rocks, banners, prints … a large Mami Wata print by Lydia Ruyle. You would have thought I had brought her into a ‘den of iniquity’. I felt her shut down as her fear took over. ‘I know who Mami Wata is … those Witches down at the water,’ her face aghast with disapproval.
‘Control. You can always bring it back to control’, I thought to myself. And the less freedom and options that a people have, the more fear and divisiveness occur and are used as tools to control.
And so much of it is about keeping control from Women.
We must change this. And learn to let Love lead.
Some statements on Nigeria, spirituality, etc. and encouraging you to read Max Dashu’s interesting article on Ahebi Ugbabe, so much respect to women who carved their way in a male world.
Can you imagine a world where these same powerful, strong women can lead with authenticity, generosity, compassion and other divinely feminine traits?
The Niger River runs through Nigeria, particularly in the region known as Yoruba country. The river is significant in local culture and spirituality. Among the Yoruba people of Nigeria (and Benin Republic), spirituality includes the veneration of river goddesses such as Oshun.
Oshun is associated with a ceremonial fan used to clear negative energy and purify spaces.
There are archaeological sites in Nigeria, such as the Ecole megaliths, which are part of a broader tradition of grandmother stones found in various cultures.
‘Historically’, African history—including that of Nigeria—has often been overlooked or underrepresented in libraries and historical accounts, with the narrative sometimes suggesting that history in Africa began only with European arrival.
Nubian spirituality, further north in Africa, includes women’s music, drumming, and distinctive jewelry.
Ibo (Igbo) Spirituality
The Ibo (Igbo) tribe’s most popular divinity is Ala, the earth mother. She is seen as the creator of the living, queen of the dead, provider of communal loyalty, and lawgiver of society. Ala is the guardian of morality, and oaths are sworn upon her. Her worship continues today.
Ala , an Igbo Goddess . Ala is the embodiment of earth , considered the mother of the Igbo people. She is the ground itself , and everything on and beneath the earth is connected to her. jane_flint on Instagram
Priestess and Healing Traditions
West Africa, including Nigeria, has strong priestess traditions. These traditions involve healing practices using drums, sacred rattles, herbs, and plant beings to restore balance in body and consciousness. Herbalists and the binding of herbs are part of these spiritual practices.
Female Shamans and Oracles
Nigeria is noted for its shamanic women, diviners, and oracles, who play significant roles in spiritual and healing traditions. These practices are part of a broader tradition across Africa, involving trance, divination, and herbal medicine.
This post inspired by Max Dashu’s article on Ahebi Ugbabe, the Female Leopard of Igboland. Ahebi carved out a path from designated chattel to rulership.
“Ahebi Ugbabe was a trailblazing figure in colonial Nigeria, rising from humble beginnings to become the first and only female warrant chief (king) in the region. Born in the late 19th century in Enugu-Ezike, an Igbo community in southeastern Nigeria, Ahebi’s remarkable journey was marked by strategic relationships with British colonial administrators. She leveraged these connections to assume traditionally male roles, including leadership positions and even taking multiple wives.”
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