Vodou In Haitian Life And Culture

Myths about Vodou, the indigenous religion of Haiti, are still common currency in Western discourse. This volume dispels those myths with essays that examine the nature, structure, and significance of Vodou practices and beliefs. Written by prominent scholars in the evolving field of Vodou studies, these essays impart balanced views on a misunderstood religious system. They consider how the invisible world is manifested through ceremony and ritual, the surprising intimacy with which Vodou followers relate to spiritual forces, and how the unseen world impacts the daily existence of Vodouists. This collection examines Vodou's role in national development and social change, positioning Vodou alongside other dynamic and progressive religious systems.

About the Author:
Claudine Michel is Professor of Black Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara

About the Author:
Patrick Bellegarde-Smith is Professor and Chair of Africology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee