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  3. Vol 6, No 3
  4. The gorovodu (kunde) cult in the ritual practices...

The gorovodu (kunde) cult in the ritual practices of the Ghana, Togo, Benin tribes

Research Article
EDN: DGMVJA DOI: 10.31483/r-112416
Open Access
International academic journal «Ethnic Culture». Volume 6
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Published in:
International academic journal «Ethnic Culture». Volume 6
Author:
Nikolay A. Medushevsky 1
Work direction:
Ethnography, Ethnology and Anthropology
Pages:
27-38
Received: 24 June 2024 / Accepted: 15 September 2024 / Published: 18 September 2024

Rating:
Article accesses:
557
Published in:
doaj РИНЦ
1 Russian State University for the Humanities
For citation:
Medushevsky N. A. (2024). The gorovodu (kunde) cult in the ritual practices of the Ghana, Togo, Benin tribes. Ethnic Culture, 6(3), 27-38. EDN: DGMVJA. https://doi.org/10.31483/r-112416
UDC 141.411:2-5(66)

Abstract

This article is devoted to – the Gorovodu / Kunde cult, which is one of the widespread cults of Vodun in West Africa. It is grounded in the Vodun religious system. However, this order denotes peculiarities, including elements of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism and authentic interpretations. The study relies on the previous scientific realms of research, dated XX–XXI centuries. Comparative analysis is used for detailed description and generalization of anthropological materials, based on field research. Meanwhile, structural analysis, supplemented by the historical-genetic method, deploys the evolution of the cult and its practices. The research draws the following conclusions. Firstly, the emergence of the Gorovodu / Kunde cult was a form of adaptation to socio-cultural challenges. They implied the decline in the standard of living of the population, and the spread of epidemics and famine associated with colonization. Secondly, the negative consequences of colonization were interpreted as the result of the white people’s sorcery. Consequently, the resistance required new spiritual entities, borrowed from the more prosperous regions of the North. Finally, this led to the unique combination of Vodun religious and monotheistic religions elements, which continues developing these days.

References

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