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What is the Name of the God in Mende?

Published in Mende Religion 1 min read

The name of the supreme god in Mende is Ngewo.

Understanding Ngewo in Mende Beliefs

Ngewo is recognized as the supreme being and creator god by the Mende people, a prominent ethnic group primarily residing in Sierra Leone and Liberia. As the paramount deity, Ngewo holds the highest position in their traditional religious beliefs, overseeing the universe and its phenomena.

In Mende cosmology, Ngewo is understood as a distant but ultimately powerful entity, responsible for all creation. While direct worship of Ngewo is less common, the deity's influence permeates all aspects of life, often mediated through ancestral spirits and lesser deities who interact more directly with the human realm. This spiritual framework underscores the deep reverence and understanding of a structured divine order within Mende culture.

For more information on Ngewo and West African religions, you can refer to the Britannica entry on Ngewo.