The Nakayima Tree (Pterygota mildbraedii) is one of Uganda’s most well known cultural artefacts. A recent tragedy at the Nakayima Shrine, where the tree stands, highlights some of the perils of poorly informed eco-spirituality. In this episode, we explore the tree’s history and discuss the implications of the incident.

References

* Tragedy strikes Nakayima Tree Shrine in Mubende, leaving four dead and three injured

* Art and Gender: Imag [in] ing the New Woman in Contemporary Ugandan Art

* The Cultural secret behind Uganda’s Nakayima tree

* Reconfiguring the Omweso board game: Performing narratives of Buganda material culture

* Unmasking Ideology in Imperial and Colonial Archaeology: Vocabulary, Symbols, and Legacy (← Read this for commentary on Chwezi history)

* Uncovering the True Story of the Ancient Bachwezi People of Uganda

* Ecospirituality is tremendously beneficial but may hinder environmental efforts, say researchers

* Nakayima tree shrine reopens to devotees amid safety concerns

Meanwhile…

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