A Brief History of African Traditional Spirituality, Colonialism and Reclaiming Narratives.
African traditional spirituality (ATS) refers to the indigenous religions that were practiced on the African continent before the arrival of Abrahamic religions such as Christianity and Islam. ATS is a complex and diverse set of beliefs and practices that vary widely from one region to another, but there are some commonalities that can be identified.
Let’s take a quick glimpse at the timeline:
500 BCE — 500 CE: One of the most well-known ancient African religions is that of ancient Egypt, which dates back to the fourth millennium BCE. The ancient Egyptians worshiped a wide range of gods and goddesses, including the sun god Ra, the goddess Isis, and the god Horus. These deities were believed to have specific roles and powers, such as protection, fertility, and the afterlife. The ancient Egyptians also believed in an afterlife, and they developed complex burial practices and rituals to prepare the dead for the journey to the afterlife.
500–1500 CE: During this period, the spread of Islam and Christianity had a significant impact on ATS. In some regions, these new religions were incorporated into existing indigenous beliefs and practices, resulting in syncretic religions such as Vodun in Haiti and Candomblé in Brazil. In other areas, there was resistance to the new religions, and traditional beliefs and practices continued to be maintained.
1500–1800 CE: During the era of the transatlantic slave trade, many Africans were forcibly brought to the Americas, where they were often forced to abandon their traditional religions and convert to Christianity. However, many enslaved Africans managed to preserve elements of their traditional beliefs and practices, often through syncretism with Christianity or other religions. This led to the development of African diasporic religions such as Santería in Cuba and Umbanda in Brazil.
1800–1960 CE: During the colonial era, European powers imposed Christianity and Islam on many African societies, often with the aim of undermining traditional African religions. This led to the marginalization and suppression of ATS, and many traditional practices were lost or driven underground.
1960 — present: After gaining independence, many African nations began to embrace their traditional cultures and religions, and ATS has experienced a resurgence in many parts of the continent. Today, many Africans continue to practice traditional religions alongside Christianity and Islam, and there has been a growing interest in traditional African spirituality and healing practices.
Colonialism has had a profound impact on the religious and cultural landscape of Africa. One of the most insidious aspects of this legacy is the demonization of Ifa and other forms of African traditional worship. This demonization was not accidental but rather a deliberate and strategic attempt by European colonizers to undermine the cultural and social structures of African societies.
At the heart of the demonization of African traditional religions was a deep-seated religious intolerance. European colonizers viewed non-Christian or non-Islamic religions as primitive and backward, and sought to replace them with Christianity or Islam. This intolerance was not only a reflection of European ethnocentrism but also served as a justification for cultural domination. By denigrating African traditional religions as “superstitious” or “barbaric,” colonizers could undermine the authority and legitimacy of African spiritual practices and assert their own cultural dominance.
The demonization of African traditional religions also served to justify the enslavement of Africans. Many European colonizers used Christianity to justify the subjugation of African peoples, claiming that Africans were “heathens” who needed to be converted to Christianity in order to be saved. By demonizing Ifa and other African traditional religions, colonizers could further dehumanize Africans and legitimize their enslavement.
The demonization of African spiritual systems was also a means of controlling knowledge. African traditional religions often involved complex systems of knowledge and spiritual practices, which were passed down through oral traditions and were closely tied to specific communities and lineages. By denigrating these practices as “unscientific” or “irrational,” colonizers could assert their own authority as the only legitimate sources of knowledge and power.
Today, the legacy of colonialism continues to impact African societies. Many Africans are still struggling to reclaim their cultural heritage and promote greater respect for the diversity of religious traditions on the continent. By understanding the historical roots of the demonization of African traditional religions, we can better appreciate the cultural and spiritual resilience of African peoples in the face of centuries of oppression and exploitation. We can also work to promote greater cultural understanding and respect for the diversity of religious traditions around the world.
Given the history, the modern day practice of African Traditional Spiritual Systems matters for several reasons. First, it represents a significant cultural heritage of millions of people across the African continent and the African diaspora. These traditions are a vital aspect of the cultural identity of many communities and have played an essential role in shaping their values, beliefs, and social practices.
This ancient system offers a unique perspective on spirituality and the human experience. Its focus on the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and the spiritual realm, and its emphasis on communal values and social justice, provide a distinctive lens through which to view the world. ATS offers an incredibly rich source of spiritual and philosophical knowledge, with deep insights into human nature, morality, and ethics, as well as practical guidance for living in harmony with the world around us which is primarily centered around the relationship that human beings have with the Earth.
Third, ATS’s influence extends far beyond the African continent. Its traditions and practices have been adapted and adopted by communities throughout the world, including in the Americas, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe. These practices have been critical in shaping the cultural identity and spiritual practices of millions of people, and they continue to be an important source of spiritual and cultural guidance for many as they navigate the dominant socioeconomic systems of a post-colonial era world that often downplays the critical contributions of ATS to the function and foundation of every modern system we have come to love and enjoy.
ATS’s importance lies in its potential to contribute to the ongoing process of decolonization and the restoration of dignity and agency to communities who have long been marginalized and oppressed. Through the revival and revitalization of ATR and other indigenous spiritual traditions, communities can reclaim their cultural heritage, restore their sense of pride and self-worth, and work towards social and economic justice.
When examined, one can not deny the all encompassing significance of African Traditional Spirituality, its unique perspective on the world, its global influence, and its potential to contribute to the process of psychological decolonization and the restoration of dignity and agency to marginalized communities.
