In the rich tapestry of West African mythology, female deities have long held a revered and influential position. From the Fon people of Benin to the Yoruba of Nigeria, these powerful goddesses have shaped the region’s spiritual beliefs and cultural practices for generations.
In our Work-Life interview with Oreoluwa Eni-Ibukun, she placed a critical emphasis on one thing: that women should be able to view God as a woman. This greatly struck us and has inspired us to return to our roots to explore some of the most powerful goddesses of the West African tradition.
The Goddesses of West African traditional religion
Nana Buluku: the supreme creator goddess
One of the most prominent figures is Nana Buluku, the supreme female creator deity in the Fon and Ewe traditions. According to Dahomean mythology, Nana Buluku gave birth to the moon goddess Mawu and the sun god Lisa, who then created the world. Nana Buluku is the ultimate mother figure, representing the ancestral memory and matriarchal foundation of these West African belief systems.
Nana Buluku is believed to have created the first humans and is often depicted as an older woman with a long beard, symbolising her great wisdom and power. She is invoked during important rituals and ceremonies; her shrines can be found throughout Benin and Togo.
Oba: the river goddess of marriage
Another influential goddess is Oba, the Yoruba deity of rivers and sometimes marriage. Oba is believed to be the daughter of the sea goddess Yemoja and the first wife of the thunder god Shango. In one myth, Oba’s gift of her ear to Shango led to their separation, with Oba transforming into the Oba River, which intersects the Osun River.
Oba is associated with fertility, healing, and the power of water. She is often invoked by women seeking to conceive children or to heal reproductive issues. Oba’s shrines are usually located near rivers or streams, and her devotees offer her gifts of flowers, beads, and other items.
Obatala: the androgynous creator of humans
The androgynous deity Obatala is also revered across the Yoruba pantheon. Considered the “Child of God” due to their father, Olorun, Obatala is said to have constructed human bodies and asked Olorun to breathe life into them. Obatala’s genderless identity makes them a god for all, embodying values of fairness, forgiveness, and compassion.
Obatala is associated with purity, peace, and the creation of the human body and soul. They are often depicted wearing white garments and carrying a scepter or staff. Obatala’s devotees follow strict dietary and behavioral guidelines, abstaining from certain foods and activities to maintain their purity.
These are just a few examples of the powerful female figures that populate West African mythology. As Oreoluwa Eni-Ibukun, a Nigerian scholar of Yoruba culture, explains, “These goddesses represent the multifaceted nature of the divine feminine in our traditions. They are not just passive figures but active agents of creation, transformation, and spiritual guidance.”
The enduring legacy of West African goddesses
The enduring reverence for these female deities speaks to the deep-rooted matriarchal influences in West African societies, where women have long held esteemed positions as priestesses, healers, and cultural knowledge keepers. One of our cover subjects, Ayodele Olofintuade, even refers to herself as “Iyawo Orisha,” or the wife of the Oba or Orisha goddess. As the region’s rich mythological heritage continues to inspire and inform modern spiritual practices, the legacies of these goddesses remain a vital part of the cultural fabric.
Today, many West Africans continue to honour these goddesses through rituals, offerings, and the telling of traditional stories. Their influence can be seen in the region’s art, music, and literature, as well as in the daily lives of their devotees. Eni-Ibukun notes, “These goddesses are not just figures from the past but living, breathing entities that continue to shape our world and our understanding of the divine.”
