The concept of Goddess Creator, mother of all people, is common
throughout Africa, although Her name may vary according to place. For example,
in southern Ghana, during their early history when society was organized on a
matrilineal basis, Nyame was their
most important deity. She was worshipped as the creator goddess who made humans
out of water, the supreme deity of the Ashanti people. She is the vital force
of creation whose female nature appears as the Moon and whose male aspect
takes the form of the Sun. It is as the Moon goddess, that Nyame
is the mother of the Cosmos.
Nyame had numerous symbols—each aspect of her had one or more. The triangle, denoting Her power over the heavens, the earth, and the underworld, was Her symbol as creator and Supreme Being. The Full Moon, a circle, symbolized the Great Mother. Nyame is all knowing, all powerful. Her permission must be asked before a grave can be dug, for the earth is her body. It is Nyame who gives the soul its life and destiny and lovingly receives Her children when they die.
In many areas of Africa, carved ceremonial figures of the Nyame reveal the widespread reverence for Her, and She is invoked to open a new field before planting.
Nyame had numerous symbols—each aspect of her had one or more. The triangle, denoting Her power over the heavens, the earth, and the underworld, was Her symbol as creator and Supreme Being. The Full Moon, a circle, symbolized the Great Mother. Nyame is all knowing, all powerful. Her permission must be asked before a grave can be dug, for the earth is her body. It is Nyame who gives the soul its life and destiny and lovingly receives Her children when they die.
In many areas of Africa, carved ceremonial figures of the Nyame reveal the widespread reverence for Her, and She is invoked to open a new field before planting.
- with thanks to http://reclaimingthedarkgoddess.blogspot.com
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