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This online repostory supplements the written study titled,
Ethnographic Research Report: Investigating Afro-Cuban Religious Activity at Biscayne National Park, Florida
by Martin A. Tsang, Ph.D.
Over the past few years to the present, material offerings and religious articles have been consistently found at Biscayne National Park (BISC), this has prompted the need for a qualitative ethnographic survey to understand their provenance and motives for practitioners depositing items at key locations in the Park. Such a study will help promote better understanding of the underlying religious practices of Afro-Atlantic origins – namely Lukumí, Palo, and espiritismo [Kardecian spiritism], which are popular, yet often misunderstood and maligned by press and popular culture. In turn, Park staff and visitors will be better equipped with information for managing and negotiating access to Park grounds for religious purposes.
The objects recovered to date, indicate that the Park is used for and by persons who adhere to intersectional Afro-Caribbean religious formations in south Florida. Despite the widespread practice of these religions in southern Florida and other parts of the US, the impact of material offerings and associated religious practices within National Park spaces have not been adequately investigated. This project will be the first of its kind, giving insight and much needed qualitative data on the dynamics and interaction between designated and protected public spaces and marginalized religious practices.
The objects are arranged by "FINDS". Each find is a separate discovery of one or more objects on a specific date.
Hover over each photograph to learn what it is.
Contact Martin: mtsang AT miami.edu