An Indelible History

For centuries, the religious landscape of the Caribbean has been examined through the lens of African and European influences, often overlooking the full extent of the enduring contributions made by the region’s first peoples. An Indelible History challenges this historical omission, offering the first comprehensive exploration of Amerindian religious influence on Afro-Caribbean traditions, with a particular focus on Palo Monte. Drawing on historical archives, oral traditions, and decolonial theory, Alejandro Casas unveils the hidden intersections between African-derived religions and Amerindian spiritual beliefs and practices. From sacred tobacco rituals to geomantic symbols and ancestral veneration, this book repositions Indigenous Caribbean agency at the heart of the region’s religious transformations. More than a historical study, An Indelible History reveals how these suppressed traditions persist, adapt, and continue to shape contemporary Afro-Caribbean spirituality in ways often unrecognized. By recovering these forgotten histories, Casas not only rewrites the past but also redefines the present, demonstrating how cultural memory and spiritual resilience endure across generations. Deeply researched yet accessible, An Indelible History reclaims a forgotten chapter of the Caribbean’s spiritual past and highlights its lasting influence on Afro-Caribbean religious traditions today. This is a must-read for scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in the complex cultural entanglements that continue to shape Afro-Caribbean religious traditions.