Santeria: African Spirits in America
by Joseph M. Murphy
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Book Summary Information
Author: Joseph M. MurphyEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1993-04-01
ISBN: 0807010219
Number of pages: 208
Publisher: Beacon Press
Book Reviews of Santeria: African Spirits in America
Book Review: Useful to a variety of people for a variety of reasons.
Summary: 5 Stars
This was the first actual book on Santeria I ever read, so I was almost completely ignorant about all aspects of Santeria and Ifa when I got it. Murphy started the book as a graduate student looking for something to write his dissertation about. A friend pointed him toward a respected babalawo in the Bronx, and Murphy began observing and participating in different rituals and ceremonies. Other reviewers point out that Murphy is not initiated into the religion, and they're right; he's not. Murphy even says that he's not initiated and can therefore only write about the parts of the religion he's familiar with. The beginning student of west African religion will get historical background on both the African and the Cuban branches of the faith, a basic understanding of the major orishas, the ori, or Yoruban concept of destiny, and an engaging personal account of Murphy's experiences with his padrino and ile. A scholar of west African religion would also find three more academically geared essays after the personal account dealing with how Santeria fits into the world as a whole. The book is interesting, readable, and a handy reference to have.
Summary of Santeria: African Spirits in America
Santerķa represents the first in-depth, scholarly account of a profound way of wisdom that is growing in importance in America today. A professional academic and himself a participant in the Santerķa community of the Bronx for several years, Joseph Murphy offers a powerful description and insightful analysis of this African/Cuban religion. He traces the survival of an ancient spiritual path from its West African Yoruba origins, through nearly two centuries of slavery in the New World, to its presence in the urban centers of the United States, where it continues to inspire seekers with its compelling vision.Tribal & Ethnic Books
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