Nommo

The Nommo (or Nummo) are primordial ancestral spirits central to the religion and cosmogony of the Dogon people of Mali. Sometimes considered demi-deities, these beings hold profound significance in Dogon spiritual traditions.

The term "Nommo" derives from a Dogon word meaning "to make one drink." These entities are typically characterized as amphibious, hermaphroditic, fish-like beings. In Dogon folk art, Nommos appear as creatures with humanoid upper bodies, legs and feet, combined with fish-like lower torsos and tails.

The Dogon also refer to these spirits by other names, including "Masters of the Water," "the Monitors," and "the Teachers." The term "Nommo" can designate either an individual spirit or the entire group collectively. For clarity, "Nommo" typically refers to a specific individual, while "Nommos" indicates the group of beings as a whole.