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Question 9 refers to the following excerpt: “Touching the religion, not only ...

Oct 5, 2023

Question 9 refers to the following excerpt: “Touching the religion, not only of this island, but also of all the other nations of the new world, they worshipped, and still worship, various deities, many painted, others sculptured, some formed of clay, others of wood, or gold, or silver; and in some places I have seen them of the shapes of birds, of tigers, of stags, and other sorts of animals, but I have mostly seen them made with a tail and feet, like our Satan. And although our priests and monks have endeavored, and still endeavor, to destroy these idols, yet the ministers of their faith keep a great many of them hidden in caves and underground, sacrificing to them occultly.” —Girolamo Benzoni, History of the New World, 1565 Which of the following statements correctly describes Benzoni’s account? A It is totally incorrect because there was no gold in the New World at all — it was all a rumor. B It is completely correct because Native Americans were Satanists. C It is partially correct because Benzoni accurately describes the animistic elements of indigenous religions and the syncretic results of missionary work. D It is partially incorrect because Native Americans always completely abandoned their traditional beliefs after converting to Catholicism.

Key Concept

KC-1.2.II: Different native societies adapted to and transformed their environments through innovations in agriculture, resource use, and social structure.

Explanation

Benzoni's account is partially correct. He accurately describes the animistic elements of indigenous religions, which often involved the worship of various deities, some of which were represented in physical forms like sculptures or paintings. These could be made from various materials and often took the form of animals or other natural elements, reflecting the close relationship between these societies and their natural environments. He also notes the syncretic results of missionary work, as indigenous peoples often blended elements of their traditional beliefs with the new ones introduced by European missionaries. However, his account is not entirely accurate or complete, as it reflects his own cultural biases and limited understanding of these complex and diverse societies.

What is animism?, What is syncretism?, How did indigenous societies adapt to and transform their environments?