2011. "Ancestor Cults". (In), Insoll, T. (ed.). Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology of Ritual and Religion. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 1043-1058 (original) (raw)

The chapter explores the concept of ancestor cults within archaeological contexts, drawing upon anthropological frameworks to underscore the complexities involved in veneration practices. It mainly contrasts beliefs and rituals surrounding ancestors among different cultures, particularly focusing on the Tallensi of Ghana and the Ndembu of Zambia. The discussion reveals a rich tapestry of ancestral beliefs, where cultural context significantly shapes how ancestors are conceptualized and worshipped, emphasizing the diverse expressions of ancestor cults and their implications for archaeological interpretation.