African Archaeology Journal | 28 February 2001
Religious Syncretism and Cultural Adaptation Among African Diasporas in Mali: An Afrocentric Comparative Study
C, h, e, i, c, k, T, r, a, o, r, e, ,, A, l, a, s, s, a, n, e, D, i, a, l, l, o
Abstract
Religious syncretism and cultural adaptation are critical aspects in understanding African diasporas' integration into new environments, particularly within Mali's diverse sociopolitical landscape. The research employs a comparative approach, analysing ethnographic data from multiple African diaspora groups living in Mali. Qualitative methods include interviews and archival research. A notable finding is the prevalence of syncretic religious practices among the Afro-Mauritanian community, where traditional Islamic beliefs are intertwined with indigenous Malian spiritual traditions. The study underscores the dynamic nature of cultural adaptation within African diasporas in Mali and suggests avenues for further research into broader diaspora dynamics. Future studies could explore temporal variations in syncretic practices and their impact on local religious landscapes, as well as inter-community interactions among different diaspora groups. Religious Syncretism, Cultural Adaptation, African Diasporas, Mali