Ancient African Religion
Ancient African Religion
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RELIGION: The people in the villages believed that one god ruled the world, but that many gods were in charge of daily life. They believed in two worlds – the world on earth, and the world of the gods. Their religion was designed to bring these two worlds together so that the elders, their religious leaders, could talk to the gods of daily life and receive advice. To encourage these gods to drop by, they danced, and sang, rattled noisemakers, made masks, and feasted. Certainly, the gods would not wish to miss such a joyous time.
ANCESTOR WORSHIP: They also asked their ancestors to talk to the gods on their behalf. They did many things to please their ancestors so that they would intercede on their behalf – things like storytelling and music and song and dance and feasting.
MAGIC: They believed in magic amulets. People would visit the village witchdoctor in hopes of finding help for their problems. The witchdoctor might make them a magic amulet. This could be a bag tied tightly with instructions not to open it. It could be anything. You might wear it around your neck. You might bury it and dance over it. You might give it to someone. The witchdoctors had a good understanding of the many herbs that could heal. They also had a good understanding of the hearts of people. It was no wonder the people believed in magic. The amulets often worked!
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