Abassi (spirit)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Abassi (also known as Abasi or Awasi) is the supreme creator god of the Efik, Ibibio, and Annang people of Nigeria.[1][2] The depiction of Abassi in Efik and Annang traditions is influenced by Ibibio mythology since the two groups used to be part of the Ibibio before they migrated to different parts of southeast Nigeria and formed their own societies.[3][4]
Following the arrival of Christian missionaries in Nigeria, Abassi was syncretized with the Christian concept of God and was referred to Abassi Ibom (in Ibibio and Efik myths) or Awasi Ibom (in Annang myths), although this interpretation is debated in present times.[3][5][6] In certain versions of the myths, most notably ones originating from Annang folklore, the name Abassi is used in reference to other deities involved in the creation myth, which included Abassi Ibom.[1]
Abassi is depicted as an omnipresent and all-knowing deity, who is responsible for creating humans.[2] However, Abassi does not directly interact with humans but communicates through a pantheon of spirits called ndem (in Efik and Ibibio myths) or nnem (in Annang myth).[1][7] Abassi is also not directly worshipped, and thus shrines are not built in honor of Abassi, but the god's intermediaries instead, the ndem and the ancestor spirits, mbukpo (known as mme ete ete in Annang myths), with the latter helping its descendants to receive Abassi's favors.[3][4][6]
In versions of the myth where Abassi refers to a group of deities, Abassi Isong, who dwells on earth, plays the role of the messenger by sending messages from humans to Abassi Anyong (also known as Abassi Onyong or Abassi Enyong), who dwell on the skies. Abassi Anyong is responsible for conveying the message to Abassi Ibom.[1] According to certain interpretations, Abassi Anyong is depicted as male while Abassi Isong is depicted as female.[8]