Divine Fertility

A groundbreaking archaeological and ethnographic study reveals the profound influence of indigenous Sky-God beliefs on the social fabric of Northeast Africa, predating Christianity and Islam. The research uncovers complex pre-Islamic institutions that fostered cultural exchange, tolerance, and peace through shared rituals, including pilgrimage practices at Saint Aw-Barkhadle—a 12th-century burial site linked to early Muslim dynasties—and the ritual hunt. It introduces a novel interpretational framework, the 'Ritual Set,' to analyze sacred landscapes and stelae traditions across sites like Tiya, Aksum, and Lalibela, providing a nuanced understanding of the region's multi-religious heritage. This study challenges dominant narratives by emphasizing indigenous continuity in belief systems and practices, offering invaluable insights for archaeologists, anthropologists, and policymakers.

Mire, S. (2020). Divine Fertility. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429769252