Miskito

The Miskito live along the eastern coasts of Nicaragua and Honduras, in an area traditionally known as the Miskito coast. The Miskito "developed as a result of European-African-Native American contact and admixture" (Helms, 2011), which began in 1700. This mix of cultural traditions is reflected in their religious beliefs, which include traditional beliefs (such as those of spirits) influenced by Christianity. Christianity was readily adopted by the Miskito, so not much is known of their pre-colonial beliefs. Because religion is tied up with the society at large, this entry considers the Miskito religious group to be coterminous with the Miskito society. This entry focuses specifically on the Cape Gracias a Dios area of Honduras circa 1921.