“Sacred groves” in African contexts (Benin, Cameroon): insights from history and anthropology

Résumé En

In this chapter, we propose to explore a set of questions related to the phenomenon of "sacred groves" on the African continent, through the double lens of history and anthropology. We build on data collected in Cameroon, Benin and Togo. Indeed, common features can be observed across these countries, regarding the ways the sacred groves relate to local histories, the roles and functions they provide in the daily life of the local populations, and the contemporary sociopolitical dynamics that emerge around these sites, particularly regarding heritagization processes. Regarding the historical dimension, the "sacred groves" relate to local history in various ways. The study of the specific history attached to each site enables the understanding of the processes through which such sites are created, in connection with specific human groups, as well as the ritual functions they play. This, in turn, allows on one hand an exploration of the complex and evolving links between the ritual dimension – of key importance in most cases - and the collective memory associated to the historical events that lead to the creation of such sites. On the other hand, such analysis provides some insights on the landscape dynamics, at larger spatial and temporal scales, that emerge from the creation and management of sacred groves at the local level.The contemporary dynamics around sacred groves are complex, related to multiple socio-political processes and grounded on various – sometimes opposite - narratives, from the "Relic Theory" to discourses and policies fostering the protection of cultural and natural heritages. While social and economical changes affect the ways local groups manage and are connected to these sites (through identity and/or ritual), an increasing interest for the protection, conservation or restoration of the sacred groves – heritagization - emerges across various local stakeholders. The various initiatives observed in the three countries are partly related to the international conventions on natural and cultural heritages, but also to locally-grounded political dynamics related to the disappearance of authoritarian governments or to the "return of the kings" in the local and national political arenas. These initiatives, in turn, affect the management of these sites, for instance when sacred groves are integrated into eco-tourism operations.