Lahe and adultery among the Atetela in D.R. Congo

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The narrative explores the conflict between traditional Atetela customs, particularly strict laws against adultery, and the transformative impact of European Christianity. As the Atetela's ancestral practices were overshadowed by Christian beliefs, which offered forgiveness and absolution, the community faced a moral crisis. In response, they revived the practice of "lahe" to combat adultery, reflecting a tension between old and new values. This resurgence, viewed negatively by the Catholic Church, signals a struggle to maintain cultural identity amid changing societal norms.