TYPE: Chthonic Fertility Goddess.
ORIGIN: Bambara [Mali, West Africa]
INFORMATION: The mother of all living things, she introduced mankind to the principles of farming. She has a terrifying appearance, depicted either in human form, sometimes with many breasts (cf. Artemis at Ephesus), or as a panther. In the latter guise she uses her claws to bring on menstruation in women and to circumcise both sexes. Prior to circumcision a youth is said to possess wanzo, an untamed wildness. Muso Koroni is pursued by the sun god, Pemba, who impregnates her in the form of a tree (Acacia albida). Also Mousso Coronie.