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]
- ^ a b Lynch, Patricia Ann; Roberts, Jeremy (2010). African Mythology, A to Z. Infobase Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4381-3133-7.
- ^ Scheub, Harold (2000). A Dictionary of African Mythology. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acref/9780195124569.001.0001. ISBN 978-0-19-512456-9.
- ^ a b Oguejiofor, Josephat Obi; Wendl, Tobias (2012). Exploring the Occult and Paranormal in West Africa. LIT Verlag Münster. ISBN 978-3-643-90183-5.
- ^ Asante, Molefi Kete; Nwadiora, Emeka (2007). Spear Masters: An Introduction to African Religion. University Press of America. ISBN 978-0-7618-3574-5.
- ^ Messenger, Jr., John C. (1960-04-01). "Reinterpretations of Christian and Indigenous Belief in a Nigerian Nativist Church". American Anthropologist. 62 (2): 268–278. doi:10.1525/aa.1960.62.2.02a00060. ISSN 0002-7294.
- ^ Offiong, Daniel (1983). "Social Relations and Witch Beliefs among the Ibibio". Africa: Journal of the International African Institute. 53 (3): 73–82. doi:10.2307/1159977. ISSN 0001-9720. JSTOR 1159977.
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