TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN THE PRESERVATION OF IDENTITY

Abstract

Identity understood as the existence of uniform and typical elements of a group, opens space for new generations to find links with the old generation when it preserves traditions by valuing and fulfilling the cultural traits of the lineage. We know that identity is inscribed in the values and practices contained in tradition and serves as a guide and guarantee of community stability. The essay highlights the contribution of traditional religion in preserving the identity of the Bitonga of the Jangamo community with the aim of understanding the contribution of traditional religion in preserving identity values and practices. The essay is the result of fieldwork carried out in the community of Jangamo as part of the preparation of a master's dissertation. From this collection it was possible to note that traditional religion in Jangamo is practiced at the level of the clan, family nucleus and individual. The cult of the ancestors by the local power structures, by the biological/social parents and individually allows to integrate the new generations with the local traditional practices, to reinforce their collective memory in relation to them and to strengthen the ethnic nucleus.

Keywords: Religion. Identity. Ancestor.