Inquisition and Superstition (Madeira, 1618)

Abstract

Based upon several confessions and denunciations reported in 1618 before Francisco Cardoso de Tornéo, the visiting inquisitor in the Madeiran archipelago, this study aims to analyze the practitioners of superstitious acts by presenting features related to their activities and beliefs. Through examining offenders and their offenses, in seventeenth century’s Madeira, one can attest the syncretic characteristic of these practices whilst also comparing to other cases found in Portugal.

Keywords

Superstition; Witchcraft; Inquisitorial Visitation; Syncretic Religious Practices.