THE SOCIO-CULTURAL IMPACT OF RELIGIOUS MISINTERPRETATION OF MAMBILLA TRADITIONAL RELIGION OF TARABA STATE

Abstract

This study examined the socio-cultural impact of Western misinterpretations on Mambilla traditional religion in Taraba State, Nigeria. Colonial and missionary frameworks historically distorted indigenous practices like sua divination and ancestral veneration, labeling them as "primitive" or "demonic," which eroded cultural identity and disrupted intergenerational knowledge transmission. The study aimed to (1) analyze the historical roots of misinterpretation, (2) assess its socio-cultural consequences, and (3) propose corrective measures. A qualitative research design was adopted, employing phenomenological methods to center Mambilla voices. Data were collected through oral interviews with elders, diviners, and community leaders, supplemented by archival analysis of colonial and missionary records. Thematic analysis was applied to identify patterns of distortion and resilience. Cultural Continuity Theory served as the theoretical framework, revealing how the Mambilla preserved core beliefs despite external pressures, though misinterpretations exacerbated marginalisation. Key findings included the stigmatization of rituals, youth alienation, and interfaith tensions fueled by colonial narratives. Recommendations included indigenous-led research, curriculum reforms, and interfaith dialogues to restore accurate representations. The study concluded that decolonising knowledge production and empowering Mambilla custodians are essential for preserving cultural heritage and fostering inclusive interreligious relations.