| Abwoi | |
|---|---|
 Akursak, the 'lesser' Abwoi | |
| Type | African |
| Classification | West African |
| Structure | Secret fraternal society |
| Origin | unknown Central Nigeria |
| Other name(s) | Abvwoi (Abvoi), Nezhen, Ku |
Abwoi (Tyap ("proper", "Mabatado"): A̠bwoi, A̠boi. Variant spelling: Obwoi; (Gworok): A̠bvwoi, A̠bvoi; Jju: A̠bvwoi, A̠bvoi; Hyam: Ku, Buboi, Bomboin; Kyoli: Amboyinye;[1] Nghan: Nezhen; Hausa: Dodo) is an African traditional religion institution which operated more like a cult of male ancestral spirits viewed as ghosts or reincarnates of the dead, whose physical forms remained invisible but voices audible, with origins among the central Nigeria plateau or Nenzit peoples such as the Adara, Atyap, Bajju, Bakulu, Batinor, Ham, Irigwe and others.[2]
Adherents were required to participate in frequent rituals within the year and a general communal worship once in a year, during which the oracles speak on sensitive issues concerning the community.[3]
- ^ Isichei, p. 50.
- ^ Isichei, Elizabeth (February 1988). "On Masks and Audible Ghosts: Some Secret Male Cults in Central Nigeria". Journal of Religion in Africa. 18 (1). Brill: 42–70. doi:10.2307/1580836. JSTOR 1580836. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
- ^ Agang, Sunday Bobai (22 June 2016). When Evil Strikes: Faith and the Politics of Human Hostility. p. 238. ISBN 9781498235679. Retrieved September 26, 2020.