Mwari

Mwari is the Supreme Creator of the Shona and Northern and Southern Ndebele, and is worshiped in the traditional religion. The majority of their followers are concentrated in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Mwari is an omnipotent being, who rules over spirits and is the Supreme God of the religion.^[1] Mwari's reverence dates back to the age of the ancient king Monomotapa, of the Mutapa Kingdom on the Zambezi River.^[2]

Etymology

The name "Mwari" in Shona means "God (or Jesus - some kind of creator, based on Christianity)". The word itself can also be roughly interpreted as "God", but only in the traditional religious context. The furthering of this term's acceptance is when the Christian missionaries were creating a bible for the locals, in which they used the term "Mwari" instead of "God".^[3]

History

The nomadic Bantu-speaking Kenyans were responsible for bringing the concept of monotheism to the traditional religions of Southern Africa. The first official recognition of Mwari was by the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, whose most notable ruler was Monomotapa of the Mutapa Kingdom. It is believed that this new addition to Shona religion was incorporated into Great Zimbabwe.^[4]

Characteristics

Mwari is seen as a kind and loving God. Mwari is not only the God of creation, but also of land fertility and blessing rains. Mwari is the one who controls the forces of Earth, from the fortune of journeys to social and political events. Though the Shona and the Ndebele often pray to Mwari alone, it is also very common for the use of spirit mediums to be employed. The most significant of these is the Oracle, a female who inhabits a cave.^[5]

References