Christianity, Modernity, and Cultural Abandonment in Africa: The Example of the Ivyom Ritual Dance Performance Among the Tiv People

Abstract

Historically, Ivyom ritual dance performance among the Tiv people of Nigeria have been integral to their spiritual and cultural identity, serving not only as a religious ceremony but also as a vital expression of social cohesion, identity and traditional knowledge. However, the advent of Christianity and the subsequent processes of modernisation have precipitated significant transformations within the Tiv society, leading to the marginalisation of this indigenous practice. This study, through adopting a multidisciplinary approach that combine ethnographic fieldwork, historical analysis, as well as cultural studies, examines the complex dynamics between the persistence of traditional rituals and the pressure of religious and cultural change. Through in-depth analysis of historical records and corroboration of research on the subject, the study highlights the tensions and negotiations that characterise the Tiv people’s responses to these external influences. While Christianity and modernisation have introduced new forms of spiritual and cultural expression, they have also engendered a loss of traditional knowledge and practices, creating a crisis of cultural continuity. This research contributes to broader discussions on the impact of religious conversion and modernity on indigenous cultures in Africa, offering insights into the ways in which the Tiv people navigate their cultural heritage in the face of profound change. The findings underscore the importance of preserving indigenous rituals as living traditions that adapt to contemporary realities while maintaining their historical and cultural significance.



Author Information
Josephine Doofan Gande, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

Paper Information
Conference: BAMC2024
Stream: Cultural Studies

This paper is part of the BAMC2024 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Gande J. (2025) Christianity, Modernity, and Cultural Abandonment in Africa: The Example of the Ivyom Ritual Dance Performance Among the Tiv People ISSN: 2435-9475 – The Barcelona Conference on Arts, Media & Culture 2024: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 177-188) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2435-9475.2024.17
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2435-9475.2024.17


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Posted by James Alexander Gordon