Abstract

VIEGAS, Fátima  and  VARANDA, Jorge. Knowledge and healing practices in the neo-traditional churches in Luanda: charisma, participation and women biographies. Etnográfica [online]. 2015, vol.19, n.1, pp.189-224. ISSN 0873-6561.

This article focuses on the biographies of charismatic women belonging to the neo-traditional churches located in urban and peri-urban areas of Luanda and on local views of the disease and its cure. These female prophets play a central role in the ecumenical social-cultural space of the capital of Angola, and the (re)interpretation of their biographies in a religious context highlights the ways that they create innovative social dynamics embedded in the fields of health and religion. These churches have built temples and houses of prayer and healing, that draw large crowds of believers; have re-shaped codes of ethical, religious and moral conduct; and have played a central role in the renewal of certain rituals, particularly those related to religious healing.

Keywords : neo-traditional churches; charisma; female prophets; disease and cure; therapeutic itinerary.

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