Spirits, Blood and Drums: The Orisha Religion in Trinidad - Softcover

Houk, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1566393507 ISBN 13: 9781566393508

Publisher: Temple University Press, 1995

Synopsis

"Valuable, well-presented study examines background, rites and ceremonies, and social organization of Orisha religion, 'arguably the most purely African cultural practice left on the island.' However, worshipers combine, in varying degrees, elements fromfive traditions - African, Catholic, Hindu, Protestant, and Kabbalah - to form an 'Afro-American religious complex.'"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 57.

About this title

From the Publisher:

An anthropologist demystifies a fascinating, eclectic Caribbean religion

From the Author:

"When I began my work in Trinidad, I remained a curious bystander during the first summer of my fieldwork. When I returned for a year-long stay, I gradually moved into the active participant group. Finally, after my initiation and once I began serving as a drummer, I moved up. ...My movement from the fingers to near 'center stage' occurred as my knowledge of and experiences in the religion grew."

— James T. Houk, from Chapter 9

About this edition

• Publisher: Temple University Press
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 1566393507
• ISBN 13: 9781566393508
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 238