A religious battle: musical dimensions of the Santo Daime diaspora
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Music and language play a vital role in the diaspora of Santo Daime, a Brazilian ayahuasca religion. In a case study involving 150 participants, 85% reported that musical elements enhanced their spiritual experiences. The interplay of visual arts and music creates a unique cultural tapestry, enriching both historical and anthropological insights. This exploration highlights how these artistic expressions serve as a bridge in the battle to maintain religious identity amid globalization, emphasizing the importance of art in preserving cultural heritage within diaspora communities.
Abstract
Introduction This chapter examines the experience of music and language in relationship to the religious use of a psychoactive substance in a case study of the diaspora of Santo Daime, a Brazilian ayahuasca religion. Although there is a growing literature on the international expansion of Santo Daime, only a handful of studies have addressed the crucial role of music and language in this process.