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Afro-Cuban Religions

by Miguel Barnet (Translated by Christine Ayorinde) - £19.95  Markus Wiener Publishers (2001)
paperback    ISBN 13: 9781558762558 | ISBN 10: 1558762558

African-derived religions enrich all aspects of Cuba's social, cultural and everyday life, and encompass all ethnic and social groups. Politics, art, and civil events such as weddings, funerals, festivals and carnivals all possess distinctly Afro-Cuban characteristics. Miguel Barnet provides a concise guide to the various traditions and branches of Afro-Cuban religions. He distinguishes between the two most important cult forms - the Regla de Ocha (Santeria) and the Regla de Palo Monte. Regla de Ocha promotes worship of the Orisha (gods), and uses traditional oracles that originated from the old Yoruba city of Iie-Ife. The Regla de Palo Monte came from the Congo area. The term 'palo' refers to the ritual use of trees and plants, which are believed to have magical powers. Africans who were brought to Cuba as slaves had to recreate their old traditions in their new Caribbean context. As their African heritage collided with Catholicism and with Native American and European traditions, certain African gods and traditions became more prominent while others lost their significance in the new Cuban culture. The author also discusses the roles of music and dance as forms of Cuban religious expression and describes the specific instruments and symbols they employ. The books ends with an enthusiastic depiction of Barnet's recent research journey to West Africa, the Land of the Orishas.

(Price & availability last checked: March 2018)

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In booklists: Cuba,
In categories: World - Latin America & Caribbean,

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