Abstract

Starting from an analysis of the concept of syncretism in the light of the consideration given to the topic by recent historiography, the essay questions the role of images as an instrument of conversion to Catholicism such as a medium between cultural and religious traditions as far away as Catholic and Oriental communities, in particular the Hindu one. Images have in fact represented a useful litmus test for understanding the methods and the resistance to evangelization conducted by Catholic missionaries in India. In this interpretation, we also mention the issue of passeurs culturels, an important element for understanding the spaces of mediation between different cultures. The last part of the essay is a case study addressing the question of the legitimate use of the talī - the golden wedding medallion of indigenous marriages - within Catholic ceremonies reconstructing the debate that developed between India and Rome on the value and meaning of this object. In fact, the talī also lends itself to being called an object of negotiation.