article
The Great Mother and the Kogi universe: a concise overview
Journal of Latin American lore • 13 (1) • Published In 1987 • Pages: 73-113
By: Reichel-Dolmatoff, Gerardo.
Abstract
In this article, Reichel-Dolmatoff presents several detailed versions of Kogi cosmology and mythology. The Kogi supreme deity is the Great Mother, Haba Gaulcovang, who creates the universe by concentrating her thought on a ninefold structure which then becomes the four upperworlds and four netherworlds, and between them, the world of humans. At first the Mother Goddess is an androgynous figure who impregnates herself to begin creation. She produces many sons and daughters, among them are the sons who become lords of the seven points of the universe. Each lord is a founder of a human lineage and is also identified with a specific color, animal, dress and soil type. The Great Mother also creates the temple which is a model of the universe and is used as a mnemonic device in Kogi discourse to instruct, discuss, or contemplate Kogi cosmology, cosmogeny, social organization and moral life. The article also includes a discussion of sacred objects called sewa, which are basically rights to property that are granted by priests.
- HRAF PubDate
- 1997
- Region
- South America
- Sub Region
- Northwestern South America
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 1996
- Field Date
- 1950-1980
- Coverage Date
- 1950 - 1980
- Coverage Place
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
- Notes
- G. Reichel-Dolmatoff
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 112-113)
- LCCN
- 75648807
- LCSH
- Kagaba Indians