Post on 01-Feb-2018
Syncretic African Religions
In the Americas
Syncretism is a term meaning “combining”
It is an attempt to reconcile contrary beliefs.
The melding of practices from various schools of thought.
The merging of several distinctly different traditions
Especially dealing with theology or mythology of religions
Syncretic African Religions
In the Americas
EXAMPLES IN THE AMERICAS
Afro-Brazilian Candomble
Afro-Caribbean Santeria
Haitian Vodou
Louisiana Voodoo
Syncretic African Religions
and the African Diaspora
to the Americas
Yoruba, Ewe & Fon
people from regions
of West Africa
were transported to
the America’s as
Slaves
Louisiana
Cuba
Haiti
Brazil
Religious Traditions originating in
Western Africa
• Olodumare was the Divine Creator
• Aye was the physical realm of all living things
• Orun-Rene was the spiritual realm of the creator
Orisha
• Intermediaries between man
and the divine creator
• Anamistic entities with control
over specific elements in nature
• Sometimes considered to be
demi-gods or deities
Fetish Market in Togo
• Talismans were known as fetishes
• Usually objects such as statues
or dried animal parts
• Believed to have spiritual healing
properties
• Animal sacrifices used to show
respect or appreciation to Gods
Religious Traditions originating in
Western Africa
• Botano were Sorcerers & Sorceresses
• Cast spells on enemies on behalf of supplicants
• Called upon spirits to bring misfortune or harm
to a person or group
Native Arawak (Taino) Village in Cuba
Native Yoruba Village in Africa
African Diaspora
to the Americas
Caused
Cultural Blending
• African slaves & Native American
Indios shared common cultural
characteristics
Agrarian based economy
Clan or Kinship groups
Similar Village structures
Syncretic African Religions
In the Americas (Mid-16th Century)
Santeria (Cuba & Puerto Rico)
• Slaves imported to work the Sugar
Plantations
Candomble (Brazil)
• Slaves imported to work the Silver
Mines and Sugar/Tobacco Plantations
• Slaves in both areas mixed their cultural traditions with the Native Indians
• Colonial Spanish & Portuguese laws forbid slaves from practicing animistic beliefs
• Slaves were forced by the church to be baptized and to worship the Catholic God
• Slaves disguised their beliefs in Orishas by adopting the names of Catholic Saints
• Eventually slaves became overly devoted to the celebrations of the saints
• Colonial officials gave the seemingly over-devoted slaves the terms Santeria and
Candomble to mock them
• People of the Saints
Syncretic African Religions
In the Americas (Mid-16th Century)
Santeria (Cuba & Puerto Rico) and Candomble (Brazil)
• Religions were based on oral traditions
• Priests and Priestesses learn dances, songs, and healing methods
• Ritual sacrifices (usually chickens) are believed to please God & the Saints
• Sacrifices and the use of charms and herbs are believed to bring good luck,
purification, and forgiveness of sins
• Rhythmic sounds and feverish dancing are believed to lead to spiritual
possession
• Family ancestors are prayed to for moral guidance and examples for life
• Olodumare is the supreme God (Creator of Heaven, Earth & the Universe)
• Orishas are the lesser deities in the form of Catholic Saints
Syncretic African Religions
In the Americas (Mid-16th Century)
Santeria (Cuba & Puerto Rico) and Candomble (Brazil)
Santeria Alter in Latin America utilizes both Christian & African Talismans and Statues of Saints
• Adoption of Catholic Saints caused
Increased mixing of religious practices
• Rituals often occur on the particular holiday
of each saint
• Members often attend traditional Catholic
services
Syncretic African Religions
In the Americas (Early 17th Century)
Haitian Vodou Louisiana Voodoo
• Slaves from Ghana & Benin were imported to work Sugar/Tobacco Plantations
• Religions based on oral traditions brought from Africa
• Primary Emphasis on spirits of ancestors and respect for family elders
• Each clan / family has a specialized priests or priestess (sorcerer / soceress)
• Use of herbs, poisons, and ritual charms & amulets intended to protect one’s self
or harm one’s enemies
• Animal sacrifice (usually chickens) is common to show respect or thankfulness
to the God(s)
• Nana Buluku is the supreme God (Creator of Heaven, Earth & the Universe)
• Orishas are the lesser deities in the form of Catholic Saints
Syncretic African Religions
In the Americas (Early 17th Century)
Haitian Vodou
• French authorities attempted to
suppress Vodou practices
• African slaves disguised their traditions
in Roman Catholic practices
• Voodoo Orishas were renamed using
Roman Catholic Saints
• Catholic missionaries continued efforts
to fully convert African slaves
• Catholic authorities labeled Vodou as
evil or “Black Magic”
• Constant efforts to suppress Vodou
may have influenced Haitian Revolution
Louisiana Voodoo
• French passed laws prohibiting the
separation of slave family members
• A distinct French-Creole culture
evolved from inter-marriages
• Voodoo Orishas were eventually
connected to Roman Catholic Saints
• Voodoo incorporated traditional
Catholic practices
Hail Mary & Lord’s Prayer
Baptism & Sign of the Cross
• Voodoo Queens presided over rituals
and administered herbs & charms
Voodoo Queen Marie Leveau
• Devote Catholic (Baptized)
• Attended Mass Daily
• Facilitated adoption of Catholicism
Syncretic African Religions
In the Americas (Early 17th Century)
Voodoo Alters in Louisiana
often include both Christian
& African Talismans & Statues,
Herbs and Personal belongings
of family members or ancestors