Water Deity
Ibibio · deity · primordial · Recorded classification
Class of tutelary marine/riverine deities (singular Idem) central to Efik and Ibibio worship. Spirit-class entities are classed as deity; sex given as female reflecting the prominent water-goddess aspect, though the class includes territorial guardians of varied character.
Domains
- rivers and waters
- tutelary protection
- fertility
Powers
- guard the waters and well-being of a community
Sources
- The Ndem are the tutelary, territorial water-deities of the Efik and Ibibio of the lower Cross River, honoured (among other ways) in the Abang dance.: P. Amaury Talbot, Life in Southern Nigeria: The Magic, Beliefs and Customs of the Ibibio Tribe (Macmillan, 1923). (ethnography)