Cultural transformation and the trials of the sacred python in text and context

Abstract

This study takes as a point of departure from the cultural transformation theory credited to Riane Eisler who argues against what she  terms a dominator cultural model of the modern capitalist world, in favour of the partnership cultural model of ancient civilization. The present writing examines similar relationship between Christian religious groups and the indigenous cultural values, with focus on  Christian crusade against the sacred python, the totemic symbol of the communities that make up the Idemili Local Government Area of  Anambra State in the Eastern part of Nigeria. Consequently, the paper will interrogate the origin of the totemic symbol and its relationship with members of the community; the reason for the attack and the implications for national peace in Nigeria; and the role of government in the preservation of harmless cultural heritage. The paper relies on both primary and secondary sources. It finds that the sacred python is a symbol of the people’s cultural identity and plays a fundamental role in their religious life; as such, attacks on the python is a breach of the people’s cultural rights. The paper joins the call for the preservation of innocuous intangible cultural heritage.