Unkulunkulu

First-man / progenitor figure of the Nguni (Zulu and Ndebele). Originally a 'first ancestor' who later, under missionary influence, became a name for the creator-God. Treated as a deity-class entry (primordial ancestor-creator); vitalStatus 'deceased' because he is the dead first ancestor. uMvelinqangi ('the first to appear') is a near-synonym.

Domains

• first ancestor
• origin of humanity

Powers

• break humankind off from the reed-bed
• send the message of death by the lizard

Epithets

• uNkulunkulu

Relations

• equated with: Unkulunkulu

Sources

• Callaway, H. (1870). The Religious System of the Amazulu. Springvale Mission Press.
• Berglund, A.-I. (1976). Zulu Thought-Patterns and Symbolism. London: Hurst.
• Callaway, H. (1870). The Religious System of the Amazulu, pp. 3-7.