According to Sociology, Identify any (but not the Shembe Church) African Traditional Religious group in the African continent or the Caribbean Islands/ South American where Afro cultural religion might exist. Provide a brief overview of this ATR group. Provide a brief history of the group and important cultural ideas and practices. Would you define this group as a social movement? Motivate your answer. provide references.
One African Traditional Religious group that might exist in the African continent or the Caribbean Islands/South America where Afro cultural religion might exist is the Yoruba religion, also known as Ifa. The Yoruba religion is practiced primarily in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, but has also spread to other parts of the world, including the Caribbean and South America due to the transatlantic slave trade.
The Yoruba religion is polytheistic, with a belief in a supreme deity, Olodumare, as well as a pantheon of other gods and goddesses called Orishas. Practitioners of the religion communicate with the Orishas through rituals, divination, and offerings. Central to the Yoruba religion is the concept of Ashe, a spiritual energy that connects all living things.
The Yoruba religion has a long history, dating back thousands of years in West Africa. It was brought to the Americas by enslaved Africans and has continued to be practiced in various forms in these regions. Important cultural practices include drumming, dancing, and the use of sacred objects in rituals.
The Yoruba religion can be considered a social movement in some contexts, as it has served as a way for Afro-descendant communities to resist colonialism, slavery, and other forms of oppression. The religion has also been a source of cultural pride and identity for many people of African descent. Additionally, the Yoruba religion has influenced other African diasporic religions, such as Santeria and Candomble.
References:
- Olupona, J. K. (2014). Yoruba Religion and Culture in the Americas: An Interview with Joseph Murphy. Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 82(2), 444-462.
- Thompson, R. F. (1978). Flash of the spirit: African & Afro-American art & philosophy. Random House.