In Igbo mythology and traditional religion, Ala (also known as Ani, Ana, or Eli) is the Earth Goddess or Earth Mother serving as:
– Fertility and agriculture: ensuring fruitful harvests and abundance
– Morality and justice: maintaining social order and punishing wrongdoing
– Protection: safeguarding communities, families, and individuals
– Spiritual guidance: providing wisdom and direction.
The Earth Mother/Earth Goddess (Ala/Ali/Ani/Ana/Eli) Presence and the Deity can be seen in these Igbo tribes namely:
1. Mbano (Imo) – Ala (in Mbari houses)
2. Oratta (Imo) – Ala (in Mbari houses)
3. Mbaise (Imo) – Ala (in Mbari houses)
4. Ikwerre (Imo & Rivers) – Ala (in Mbari houses)
5. Etche (Imo & Rivers) – Ala (in Mbari houses)
8. Isu (Anambra & Imo) – Ala (in Mbari houses)
11. Orsu (Anambra & Imo) – Ala (in Mbari houses)
12. Oru (Imo) – Ala (in Mbari houses)
13. Ibeku (Abia) – Ala (in Mbari houses)
14. Egbema (Imo & Rivers) -Ali (in Mbari houses)
Significant Presence in;
Ogba (Rivers) – Ala
Ohafia (Abia) – Ana
Nri (Anambra)
Nnewi (Anambra)
Aro (Abia)
Edda (Ebonyi)
Ishielu (Ebonyi)
Nsukka (Enugu)
Ukwuani (Delta)
Ala is often revered through:
– Offerings and sacrifices (e.g., yams, fruits, animals)
– Rituals and ceremonies (e.g., New Yam Festival)
– Sacred shrines and symbols (e.g., earth altars (Mbari houses), sacred stones)
– Taboos and prohibitions (e.g., protecting sacred forests)
In Igbo cosmology, Ala is considered:
– A primary deity, alongside Chi (God) and Anyanwu (Sun God)
– A mediator between humans and the divine
– A manifestation of feminine God.
Reference:
The Igbo People – Elizabeth Isichei.
Some of Nigeria Fertility Cults – Percy Amaury Talbot.
Igbo Traditional Religion – Jordan Paper.
