The gorovodu (kunde) cult in the ritual practices of the Ghana, Togo, Benin tribes

This article is devoted to – the Gorovodu / Kunde cult, which is one of the widespread cults of Vodun in West Africa. It is grounded in the Vodun religious system. However, this order denotes peculiarities, including elements of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism and authentic interpretations. The study relies on the previous scientific realms of research, dated XX–XXI centuries. Comparative analysis is used for detailed description and generalization of anthropological materials, based on field research. Meanwhile, structural analysis, supplemented by the historical-genetic method, deploys the evolution of the cult and its practices. The research draws the following conclusions. Firstly, the emergence of the Gorovodu / Kunde cult was a form of adaptation to socio-cultural challenges. They implied the decline in the standard of living of the population, and the spread of epidemics and famine associated with colonization. Secondly, the negative consequences of colonization were interpreted as the result of the white people’s sorcery. Consequently, the resistance required new spiritual entities, borrowed from the more prosperous regions of the North. Finally, this led to the unique combination of Vodun religious and monotheistic religions elements, which continues developing these days.