Paper long abstract:

Debates over syncretism in cultural antropology in the late 20th century often

focused on African-derived religion in the Brazilian and Caribbean contexts but not on the continent itself. In this study, based on over two and a half

years of field research in Luanda, Angola, I use the examples of Santeria (as

represented by Cubans locally), Rastafari (as practiced by Angolan converts)

and Luandan healing/witchcraft practices referred to as "kimbandismo" that use both regional organic elements as well as Portuguese Catholic ones - to show that there is a relevant relationship between the idea of syncretism and

nation that is at times understood as part of the historical narrative, at

other times standing completely outside of it and finally often at odds

with the internationlist aspects of the practices. Finally, I analyze how

each of these practices relates to the concept of "Africa" from the

perspective of being situated on the continent.