Ancestrality and symbolic reparation : african healing practices confronting historical traumas

This article explores the role of ancestral healing practices in addressing historical and intergenerational trauma in African societies and diasporic communities. Unlike Western trauma theories, which often overlook spiritual and communal dimensions of suffering, African traditions integrate ancestors as essential mediators in restoring physical, psychological, and social harmony. Through case studies from Xhosa, Zulu, and Ndembu cultures, as well as diasporic experiences in Haiti and Brazil, this study highlights how ancestral rituals—such as divination, spirit possession, and collective ceremonies—serve as symbolic reparations for the disruptions caused by slavery, colonialism, and contemporary violence. Furthermore, the article critiques the limitations of Eurocentric therapeutic models and advocates for a decolonized approach that recognizes indigenous African knowledge systems. Finally, it explores the intersection between ancestral healing and ecological restoration, emphasizing the interconnectedness between spiritual well-being, community resilience, and environmental justice. By redefining trauma through an African epistemological lens, this study contributes to a broader discussion on cultural healing, memory, and resistance.