Ani (Also known as Ala, Ana, Ale and Ale)
Is the one of the Alusi deities of the Igbo people religion Odinani. She is the goddess of the earth, morality, death and fertility. She is the most importand of all the Alusi as she rules over the underworld that hold the deceased ancestors in her womb. Ani is usually depicted with a small child in her arms and a crescent moon. She was the first of the Alusi to be created by Chukwu, God Almighty she is married to Amadioha, the god of the sky and lightning.
As Goddess of morality, Ani is involved in judging human actions and goverens over Igbo law and customs known as Omenala. Ala’s messenger and living agent on Earth is a python, and is very revered in many Igbo communities. In Odinani art, Ala’s image is mostly depicted in clay Mbari temples. Ani is annual paid homage to during the Yam festival
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