West African Mythology

Visit the links to learn about the myths of West Africa related to objects in the sky, and aspects of their world.

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<a href="/mythology/shango_storm.html&edu=elem&dev=1">Shango</a> was the forth king of the ancient Oyo Empire, the West African center of culture and politics for the Yoruba people.After his death, he became known as the god of <a href="/earth/Atmosphere/tstorm/tstorm_lightning.html&edu=elem&dev=1">thunder and lightning</a>. In artwork, such as this wood carving, he is often depicted with a double ax on his head, the symbol of a thunderbolt, or he is depicted as a fierce ram.<p><small><em>Image Courtesy of the Hamill Gallery of African Art, Boston, MA</em></small></p>

Explore West African Mythology

Yoruba: Olokun

Olokun was the sea god of the Yoruba people, who live in Benin. His name means "owner of the ...Read more

Yoruba: Shango

Shango was the king of the Oyo kingdom in West Africa. This was where the Yoruba people lived ...Read more

Yoruba: Olorun

Olorun, whose name means "owner", is the sky-god of the Yoruba people. He is also known as ...Read more

Fon: Mawu

Mawu is the supreme god of the Fon people of Abomey (Republic of Benin). Mawu , the Moon, brings ...Read more

Fon: Liza

Liza is a god of the Fon people of West Africa. Liza is represented by the fierce Sun. Usually ...Read more

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