Number Symbolism

Meanings of the Number 2

In the culture of North Eritrea, the number 2 is assigned to woman. This number has an important meaning throughout Africa. In ancient African religions, the number 2 signified two planes. One was conceptual, and the other was a plane of action. This idea is expressed in practice by accepting the Creator in concept only, while another Being is recognized as the controller in the affairs of the world and is treated as such in the religious services.

Twin births are received differently by different people, but never go unacknowledged. For the Sango of the Eastern Ubangui, this is cause for great celebration that continues throughout the lives of the twins. But a much harsher reality awaits twins born among the Diola, where only one is allowed to survive. The Ibo consider the birth of twins as an evil omen, and frequently none are allowed to survive. The Miseke of Luanda believe that twins possess magical powers, and, for this reason, they receive great respect.

The following are examples of the varied usage of the number 2. Khen and Jippur are the names of the two social groups of the Angas. The Lala celebrate female puberty with 2 days of dance. The Yoruba describe two types of married women: the old and the young. Two groups of ancestral spirits are revered by the Mende. The Wapogoros identify two types of spirit: the bad and the good. A secret language is used by the Balovale for initiations and funerals. The Ibo god Ikenga is shown with two half-moon-shaped horns. Two animals are sacrificed on the second day of a Makhanya wedding. Certain Congo people bury their dead in two stages. The Kikuyu and Kamba use red and black on their shields. For the Shiluks, it is the aunt's responsibility to gift two cattle to the dowry of her nephew's soon-to-be wife. The Togos shape their teeth so that each has two points. Ajagbo, a Yoruba god, is represented as a double image. Nigerian jewelry is often made up of two figures, masculine and feminine, mounted on a chain. Bideyogo paintings often show the number 2 as two women, two men, two youths, two bulls, or two of anything in an activity. Further, the Kimbundu do not announce the death of their great chief for 2 days. The body is attended to by four dignitaries and is allowed to dry for 2 years. The Ovibundu chiefs are buried in a way that allows access to only two people. The Fali say the world was born from two eggs: one from a toad and the other from a turtle.

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