Kuhimana (god)

Kuhimana is a deity within the traditional beliefs of certain indigenous peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, primarily within specific subgroups of the Kuba people. Kuhimana is generally understood as a high god, creator deity, or supreme being, often considered transcendent and somewhat removed from the everyday affairs of humans.

While details vary between communities and oral traditions, Kuhimana is often seen as the origin of the universe and all life. He is typically not directly worshipped in the same way as lesser spirits or ancestors, but rather acknowledged as the ultimate source of power and existence. Intermediaries, spirits, or ancestors are more commonly approached for assistance in daily life.

Because the Kuba religion relies primarily on oral tradition, specific attributes, stories, and the exact role of Kuhimana can be fluid and subject to interpretation. There is no established pantheon of gods alongside Kuhimana in the same way as in some other religious traditions; instead, a complex web of spirits, forces of nature, and ancestral figures play significant roles in the Kuba spiritual world. Kuhimana remains the overarching, ultimate creator.