Indigeneity in African Religions: Oza Worldviews, Cosmologies and Religious Cultures

Indigeneity in African Religions explores the historical origins, worldviews, cosmologies, ritual symbolism, and praxis of the indigenous Oza people in South West Nigeria, contributing to the conceptual understanding of "indigeneity" in contemporary Africa.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Indigeneity in African Religions delves into the rich tapestry of the historical origins, worldviews, cosmologies, ritual symbolism, and practices of the indigenous Oza people in South West Nigeria. Drawing upon religious ethnography, in-depth interviews, and extensive archival data, the authors offer a comprehensive exploration of this unique cultural heritage. By situating themselves within the context of decolonizing knowledge and indigeneity discourses, the authors unpack the multifaceted concept of "indigeneity" and make valuable contributions to its conceptual understanding within the realm of socioreligious change in contemporary Africa.

The book's geographical and positional insights place it firmly within the realm of decolonizing knowledges and indigeneity discourses, thereby illuminating the intricate complexities of "indigeneity." Through their meticulous analysis, the authors shed light on the multifaceted ways in which "indigeneity" manifests itself in the lives of the Oza people and contribute to a deeper understanding of this concept within the context of contemporary Africa.

As the book delves into the future of Oza indigeneity in the face of modernity, it juxtaposes the challenges and opportunities that arise from encounters with various hegemonies, the transmission of Christianity and Islam, and indigenous (re)appropriations. Recognizing the profound impact of these historical processes on the Oza people, the authors emphasize the importance of considering the instantiations of indigeneity politics, identity, culture, tradition, and power dynamics in any theorizations of these encounters.

Afe Adogame, the author of this groundbreaking work, employs a decolonizing approach to understanding Oza indigenous religious, sociocultural, and political imaginaries. By challenging the burdens of history, memory, and method, Adogame provides a framework that enables readers to delve into the depths of the Oza people's religious, cultural, and political beliefs and practices. Through their meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, the authors offer a rich and nuanced understanding of the Oza people's world, contributing to our collective knowledge of the diverse tapestry of African religions and societies.

In conclusion, Indigeneity in African Religions is a groundbreaking work that offers a profound exploration of the historical origins, worldviews, cosmologies, ritual symbolism, and practices of the indigenous Oza people in Nigeria. Through a decolonizing lens, the authors shed light on the complexities of "indigeneity" and contribute to our understanding of socioreligious change in contemporary Africa. Afe Adogame's framework of understanding Oza indigenous religious, sociocultural, and political imaginaries provides a valuable tool for scholars and researchers interested in exploring the rich tapestry of African religions and societies.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350008267