Jengu

Jengu
Jengu
Affiliation	Sawabantu, or Coastal Bantu peoples
Symbol	Water
Ethnic group	Duala • Bakweri • Limba • Bakoko • Oroko

A jengu (pl. miengu) is a water spirit in the traditional beliefs of the Sawabantu groups of Cameroon, like the Duala, Bakweri, Malimba, Subu, Bakoko, Oroko people. Among the Bakweri, the term used is liengu (plural: maengu).^[1] Miengu are similar to bisimbi (singular: simbi) in the Bakongo spirituality and Mami Wata. The Bakoko people use the term Bisima.

Described as mermaid-like spirits, they live in rivers and the sea, bringing good fortune to those who worship them. They can also cure disease and act as intermediaries between worshippers and the world of spirits. For this reason, a jengu cult has long enjoyed popularity among the Duala peoples. Among the Bakweri, this cult is also an important part of a young girl's rite of passage into womanhood.^[1]

^ ^a ^b Ardener, Edwin (1975). "Belief and the Problem of Women". In Ardener, Shirley (ed.). Perceiving Women. London: Malaby Press. pp. 6–11. ISBN 9780460140065.

[:0-1] Ardener, Edwin (1975). "Belief and the Problem of Women". In Ardener, Shirley (ed.). Perceiving Women. London: Malaby Press. pp. 6–11. ISBN 9780460140065.

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