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AP African American Studies
Unit 1: Origins of the African Diaspora (~900 BCE–16th century)
1.4 Indigenous Cosmologies and Religious Syncretism
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Cards (61)
Indigenous cosmologies emphasize a
holistic
and interconnected view of the world.
True
A spiritual connection to nature is often central to indigenous cosmological understanding.
True
Indigenous cosmologies prioritize harmony with the
natural
world over centralized authority.
True
The natural environment is often seen as sacred and central to the cosmological understanding of indigenous
peoples
Match the characteristic with the correct belief system:
Spiritual connection to nature ↔️ Indigenous Cosmologies
Dominion over nature ↔️ Abrahamic Religions
Religious syncretism often occurs when indigenous cosmologies interact with
Abrahamic
religions.
True
Religious syncretism became prominent during the African Diaspora due to
slavery
, colonialism, and cultural interaction.
True
Indigenous cosmologies emphasize a spiritual connection to
nature
What is a central concept in indigenous cosmologies regarding the natural environment?
Spiritual connection
When does religious syncretism often arise?
Cultural group interactions
What characterizes the indigenous worldview in terms of connection to nature?
Spiritual connection
Indigenous cosmologies rely on oral traditions and
storytelling
What are the key concepts that define indigenous cosmologies?
Holistic, spiritual, oral
Syncretism typically results in a centralized, hierarchical religious structure.
False
What are indigenous cosmologies characterized by?
Belief systems and worldviews
Match the characteristic with the correct belief system:
Holistic, interconnected worldview ↔️ Indigenous Cosmologies
Hierarchical, dualistic worldview ↔️ Abrahamic Religions
Indigenous cosmologies emphasize a spiritual connection to
nature
Indigenous cosmologies rely on oral traditions and
storytelling
What is religious syncretism characterized by?
Blending religious beliefs
Religious syncretism involves the blending of different religious beliefs and
practices
What are key characteristics of indigenous cosmologies?
Holistic, spiritual, oral
Match the characteristic with the correct religious tradition:
Indigenous Cosmologies ↔️ Holistic, interconnected worldview
Abrahamic Religions ↔️ Hierarchical, centralized structure
Indigenous cosmologies view the world as deeply
interconnected
, where natural, spiritual, and human elements are intertwined.
True
Match the syncretic religion with its key features:
Vodou in Haiti ↔️ Mix of West African religions and Catholicism
Santería in Cuba ↔️ Combines Yoruba beliefs with Catholic practices
Indigenous cosmologies have a hierarchical worldview, while Abrahamic religions have a dualistic one.
False
Written scriptures are the primary means of knowledge transmission in indigenous cosmologies.
False
Religious syncretism often arises when indigenous cosmologies interact with Abrahamic religions like
Christianity
In which country is Santería practiced?
Cuba
The forced displacement of Africans during slavery led to the incorporation of African religious elements into Christianity.
True
How does religious syncretism differ from religious conversion?
Blending vs. replacement
In Vodou, spirits called "loa" are invoked to mediate between humans and the
divine
Why did syncretism allow indigenous cosmologies to maintain influence?
Fluid blending of traditions
The spiritual connection to nature in indigenous cosmologies has influenced modern practices such as environmental
conservation
Compared to Abrahamic religions, indigenous cosmologies tend to have a more decentralized, non-hierarchical
structure
Order the following characteristics based on whether they relate to indigenous cosmologies or Abrahamic religions:
1️⃣ Holistic worldview
2️⃣ Hierarchical worldview
3️⃣ Spiritual connection to nature
4️⃣ Dominion over nature
5️⃣ Oral traditions
6️⃣ Written scriptures
What does the holistic and interconnected view in indigenous cosmologies emphasize?
Intertwined natural, spiritual, human
Match the characteristic with the correct belief system:
Holistic worldview ↔️ Indigenous Cosmologies
Hierarchical worldview ↔️ Abrahamic Religions
The spiritual connection to nature is a core concept in indigenous cosmologies.
True
What are examples of religious syncretism in the African Diaspora?
Vodou, Santería, Candomblé
Match the syncretic religion with its key features:
Vodou in Haiti ↔️ Mix of West African religions and Catholicism
Santería in Cuba ↔️ Combines Yoruba beliefs with Catholic practices
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