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Ala(also known asAni,Ana,Ale,andAliin varyingIgbodialects) is the femaleAlusi(deity) of the earth,[1]morality, fertility, and creativity inOdinani.In Odinani, Ala rules over theunderworldand holds the deceased ancestors in her womb. Her name literally translates to "ground" in the Igbo language, denoting her powers over the earth and her status as the ground itself. Ala is considered the highest Alusi in the Igbo pantheon. Ala's husband isAmadioha,the sky deity.[citation needed]
| Ala | |
|---|---|
Alusiof the Earth, Fertility, and Morality | |
| Planet | Earth |
| Symbol | crescent moon•Python |
| Ethnic group | Igbo Land southern Nigeria |
| Consort | Amadioha |
| Equivalents | |
| Roman | Juno•Ceres |
| Bakongo | Nzambici |
| Yoruba | Yemọja |
As the goddess of morality,[2]Ala is involved in judging human actions and is in charge of Igbo law and customs known asomenala.Taboos and crimes among Igbo communities that are against the standard of Ala are callednsọ Ala.All ground is considered holy land as it is Ala herself. With human fertility, Ala is credited for the productivity of the land. Ala's messenger and living agent on earth is thePython(Igbo:éké), which is especially revered in many Igbo communities. In art, Ala is often represented as a regal figure seated on a throne, surrounded by her family. In the past, such figures took the form of life-size mud sculptures in special festive shrines dedicated to the deity and known asmbari.[citation needed]
Power
editIt is said that if a person commits atabooin a community, that they have also desecrated or insulted Ala as the abomination (calledajo njoorAru Ala,[1]Alu Ani) was committed on her earth. Ala is also responsible for many aspects of Igbo society and guardianship of women and children in general. She is often depicted with a small child in her arms and her symbol is the crescentmoon.It is believed that the souls of the dead reside in her sacredwomb.All in the community have to respect Ala as everybody lives onala,the earth. It was sometimes believed that Ala could swallow people up into the underground.[citation needed]
Ala is still worshiped by the Igbo ofNigeriaand is annually paid homage to during theyam festival.[citation needed]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^abOgbuene, Chigekwu G. (1999).The Concept of Man in Igbo Myths.P. Lang. p. 208.ISBN978-0-8204-4704-9.Retrieved22 February2024.
- ^Ekennia, Justin Nnadozie (2000).African Modernity Crisis.Barloz. p. 153.ISBN978-978-33363-5-3.Retrieved22 February2024.
- Von Forslun, T. (2021). Encyclopedia of the Divine Feminine: Goddess of 10,000 Names. Storbritannien: Xlibris AU.
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