Ancestor worship in Africa

The traditional religions of Africa

Even though Christianity and Islam are today among the most widespread religions on the African continent, many ethnic groups still practice traditional ancestor worship to venerate the dead. They often do so in conjunction with one of the aforementioned faiths; ancestor worship is often misinterpreted and misunderstood in the Western world.

Veneration of the dead

Ancestor worship has absolutely nothing to do with Voodoo or the worship of foreign and powerful spirits. Rather, it serves as a means of cohesion for the community and a reminder of their deceased loved ones. Specific symbols and rituals distinguish the respective followers and their cult; these symbols also strengthen cohesion among themselves. Traditional ancestor worship has been practiced in Africa for many thousands of years and is thus one of the oldest forms of religion. It still holds its own alongside other religions and is celebrated. There are no fixed holidays like, for example, in Christianity. On certain occasions, such as a birth, a wedding or a marriage, family members seek contact with the spirits. Each ancestor cult has its own instructions and procedures. However, the focus is always on the veneration and remembrance of the dead.

Protection from evil

African belief holds that the dead continue to live on as spirits after death and have a decisive influence on the lives of their relatives. However, they do not bring happiness or health; rather, they protect against evil events and possible misfortune that may befall the living. Ancestor worship holds that the spirits act as intermediaries between the relatives and the deity, thus protecting them. This important aspect of ancestor worship also means that believers can well believe in a religion like Christianity and accept the deity. They do not worship or deify their ancestors; they merely venerate them.

In constant remembrance

According to the beliefs of ancestor worship followers, protection from misfortune can only be maintained if a good relationship exists with beloved deceased. If no constant contact and regular veneration is maintained, the relationship is permanently disturbed. Therefore, the focus of ancestor worship is on the veneration of the spirits.
Offerings are made to venerate the deceased. However, no animals or even humans are sacrificed, as is often mistakenly assumed. Rather, it is meals or self-made goods that serve as offerings. The form in which the gifts are presented depends strongly on the respective ancestor cult. Often, these are centuries-old traditions that are passed down and maintained from generation to generation.

Place of veneration

Similar to other religions, there are also certain places in Africa where the deceased are venerated as part of ancestor worship. However, these are not ornate structures like churches or minarets, but rather simple locations. Places where the deceased themselves often spent time are included. At these sites, the bereaved set up ancestral shrines where offerings are left. These shrines, which are usually located in the family’s own garden, are where followers of ancestor worship speak to their spirits—but only after presenting an offering. Contact cannot be made beforehand; the blessing of the dead is not granted. The spirits themselves reside in other places. These often include caves, mountains or savannas.