Beyond its initial foundations, the city of Cotonou experienced a true demographic explosion in the mid-twentieth century. It has continued to grow ever since, evolving from a simple town to a West African metropolis. This transformation occurred not only architecturally or demographically but also spiritually. In his thesis defended in 2022, Jérémy Cordon explores this fascinating symbiosis between urbanization and religious evolution.
The Emergence of Neo-Vodun Cults
Precisely during this urban explosion, a new generation of so-called "neo-vodun" cults originating from Ghana began to emerge. Among these, the first figures of "golo-vodun" (the kola) appeared. These new spiritualities took root in a context of revisited anti-witchcraft struggles.
Far from being swept away by modernity, Vodun developed with strength, accompanying urbanization and sometimes even preceding it in the new peripheral territories of the metropolis.
The Unique Case of the Atingali Cult
One of these cults, dedicated to the deity Atingali, followed a particularly unique path that made the Cotonou region its heartland and destination. In a way, this cult and this city have grown and evolved together over the past seven decades.
It is in Cotonou that itinerant forerunners, coming from Ghana, the Collines region, or Porto-Novo, finally settled, creating an unprecedented spiritual crossroads.
Symbiosis between City and Spirituality
Jérémy Cordon's research describes and analyzes the trajectory of these two entities (Cotonou and the Atingali cult) whose relationship is particularly exemplary. Contrary to the common belief that urbanization stifles animist traditions, this thesis demonstrates how the metropolis offers a fertile ground for the reinvention and adaptation of Vodun practices in the face of contemporary challenges.
Academic Reference & Citation
If you wish to cite this research in an academic context, please use the following reference:
Jérémy Cordon. Cotonou, Vodun, and the Angels' Share. Social Anthropology and Ethnology. 2022. French. ⟨tel-04063940⟩
Summary and adaptation proposed by Ouidah Origins.
Related Pillars & Further Reading
On Ouidah Origins: The Sacred Forest · The Vodoun Days
External Sources:
from research to reality
wish to deepen this research on the ground? our concierges organize tailor-made academic and cultural visits to Ouidah, in strict respect of traditions.
