Place of Origin: Fonland, primarily in Benin and Togo
Origin Date: Nana Buluku has been a central figure in Fon mythology for centuries, with her stories passed down through generations.
Domain: Nana Buluku governs creation, wisdom, and motherhood.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Nana Buluku include the moon, the sun, and the calabash. These symbols represent her connection to creation, wisdom, and motherhood.
Attributes: Nana Buluku possesses the power to create the universe, provide wisdom, and nurture her creations. She is also associated with the balance of male and female energies through her children, Mawu and Lisa.
Religion: Fon mythology.
Description
Nana Buluku is a revered deity in West African mythology, particularly among the Fon people of Benin and the Ewe people of Togo. She is considered the supreme creator and the mother of the universe, embodying the primal force of creation and cosmic balance. Nana Buluku is credited with giving birth to the twin deities Mawu (the moon) and Lisa (the sun), who together represent the duality of male and female, night and day, and other cosmic opposites.
After creating the universe and her divine offspring, Nana Buluku is said to have withdrawn from active involvement in the world, leaving the administration of creation to Mawu-Lisa and other lesser deities. Her role as the ultimate source of life and creation makes her one of the most significant figures in Vodun theology.
Nana Buluku’s influence extends beyond Africa, as her worship and mythology were carried to the Americas and the Caribbean through the transatlantic slave trade. She is celebrated in Afro-Caribbean spiritual traditions such as Haitian Vodou and Candomblé, where she is often depicted as an ancient and wise figure, embodying the essence of life and death.
Her legacy continues to inspire reverence for the divine feminine and the interconnectedness of all existence in African and Afro-diasporic spiritual practices.
Relations: Nana Buluku is related to other deities in Fon mythology, including her children Mawu (the moon spirit) and Lisa (the sun spirit).
Epithets: Other names for Nana Buluku include Nana Buruku, Nana Buku, and Nanan-bouclou, Mother of Mawu and Lisa
Equivalents: Nana Buluku has equivalents in other African religions, such as Nanã in Candomblé and Nana Burukú in Haitian Vodou.
Iconography: Nana Buluku is often depicted as an elderly woman, symbolizing her ancient and timeless nature. She is also shown with symbols of creation and motherhood, such as the moon, the sun, and the calabash.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Nana Buluku
Core Beliefs
Nana Buluku is a revered deity in African Traditional Religions, particularly among the Fon and Yoruba people. She is considered the supreme creator and the grandmother of all Orishas. Followers believe that Nana Buluku is the primordial force of creation, embodying wisdom, the moon, and motherhood. She is seen as a nurturing and enduring figure, representing the cycles of life and the essence that binds families and communities together.
Attributes and Significance
Attributes: Nana Buluku is often depicted as an elderly woman, symbolizing her ancient and timeless nature. She is associated with swamps and water, reflecting her nurturing and life-giving qualities.
Significance: As the mother of the sun and the moon, Nana Buluku holds a central role in the creation myth. She is believed to have created the universe and all living beings, and her influence extends to guiding the souls of the deceased.
Worship Practices
Shrines: Devotees often establish shrines dedicated to Nana Buluku in natural settings, such as near swamps or water bodies. These shrines are adorned with offerings and symbols representing her attributes.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Nana Buluku include water, the moon, and maternal figures. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke her presence and blessings.
Rituals and Ceremonies
Sacrifices: Offerings to Nana Buluku typically include food, water, and other items that symbolize life and nourishment. These sacrifices are made to honor her and seek her guidance and protection.
Festivals: Specific festivals are held in honor of Nana Buluku, where devotees gather to celebrate her role in creation and her nurturing qualities. These festivals often include music, dance, and communal feasting.
Prayers and Traditions: Devotees pray to Nana Buluku for wisdom, protection, and guidance. Traditional rituals may involve water purification ceremonies, moonlit gatherings, and storytelling sessions that recount her myths and legends.
Contemporary Influence
Nana Buluku's worship extends beyond Africa, reaching the Caribbean and Afro-American traditions. She is celebrated in various forms, such as Nanã in Candomblé Jejé and Tambor de Mina, and Nana Burukú in Candomblé Ketu. Her enduring presence in these cultures highlights her significance as a primal force of life and creation.
Narratives
The Creation of the Universe:
Nana Buluku, also known as Nana Buruku, is the supreme deity in Fon and Ewe mythology. She is the primordial mother who gave birth to the moon spirit Mawu and the sun spirit Lisa. Nana Buluku created the universe and all living beings, establishing the natural order and balance of the cosmos. After giving birth to Mawu and Lisa, she retired and left the matters of the world to them.
The Birth of Mawu and Lisa:
Nana Buluku gave birth to the divine twins, Mawu and Lisa. Mawu represents the moon, night, fertility, and motherhood, while Lisa represents the sun, day, strength, and power. Together, they embody balance and harmony. Nana Buluku's role as their mother highlights her significance as the source of life and creation.
Nana Buluku and the Cosmic Serpent:
In some myths, Nana Buluku is associated with the cosmic serpent Aido-Hwedo, who helped shape the earth. The serpent carried Nana Buluku around the world, creating mountains, valleys, and rivers. This story emphasizes Nana Buluku's role in the formation of the natural world.
Nana Buluku and the Creation of Humanity:
Nana Buluku is credited with creating the first humans. She molded them from clay and breathed life into them, giving them the breath of life. This story highlights her role as the creator and sustainer of human life.
Nana Buluku and the Journey of Souls:
Nana Buluku is believed to guide the souls of the deceased to the afterlife. She ensures that the spirits of the dead are cared for and continue to influence the living. This story underscores her connection to the cycle of life and death.
Nana Buluku in the African Diaspora:
Nana Buluku's influence extends beyond Africa and can be found in Afro-Caribbean religions such as Candomblé and Vodou. In these syncretic religions, she is revered as a central figure embodying creation, wisdom, and maternal care.
Sacred Texts: Nana Buluku is mentioned in various Fon oral traditions and stories.