Ala
Ala In African mythology (Ibo of Eastern Nigeria), daughter of Chuku (the great god), mother earth, goddess of the underworld, ruler of men, guardian of the harvest, and dispenser of fertility to people and animals. Ala is worshipped all over Ibo country with shrines and special houses, called Mbari, which are square
and contain vividly colored mud figures. Ala is portrayed in the center of the house with a wide variety of animals, men, and other gods surrounding her. As ruler of the underworld, Ala receives the dead into her womb or pocket.
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow– Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
