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Is there a world (or pantheon)of juvenile gods and ancestors exclusive to or common among African children aged between 5 and 13 years? If, like their adult counterparts, African children between this age range have their peer groups,ritual and initiatic circles, masquerades, etc. - the very objects and practices around which some of the theories about (adult) African gods and ancestors have been evolved - is it possible that there is or could also be a world of deities and ancestors perculiar to the African child? This, to my mind, appears to be one area of African Studies, which, if investigated with an equal balance of zeal as the adult world has been, could yield new insights into the African world and mind.
I am currently working on this project among the Ibibio of Southeastern Nigeria, and my findings so far are promising. I am interested to find out what obtains in other African regions, and will appreciate any useful information, bibliographies, etc., on the subject. I am also willing to share and exchange information with anyone who may engaged in a similar project.
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