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Initiation Into Candomble: Introduction to African-Brazilian Religion
Candomblé is an African-Brazilian religion that has over two million adherents throughout Brazil, but also in the Americas and in Europe. Despite the popularity of Candomblé, many people still confuse the religion with a cult, or perceive it as part of other religions, such as Spiritualism, Umbanda, or even non-orthodox Catholicism. Candomblé is an independent religion with a composite philosophical base derived from a number African cultures, and has its own corpus of orally-transmitted texts, ancient rituals, and organic lifestyle. Initiation into Candomblé takes the reader through the foundational ideas and practices of this composite religion, guided by an author who is not only a scholar but also a practitioner of Candomblé.
178 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 23, 2013
A brief, concise but very good introduction to the African-Brazilian religion of Candomblé.
It contains a brief historical introduction; a short description of the main elements, including Axé and the main Orixás; a description of the divinatory ritual; and a apologetic but unseemingly deep discussion of the cultural significance of Candomblé in today's life.
The book lacks a more formal definition of its subject, maybe omitted because of length constraints. Bibliographical quotations could be improved if footnotes with reference to quoted book's page number were added, but are present in the end of the work.
I recommend this book as a very good short introduction to a subject of interest to anyone interested in African presence and cultural influence in the Americas, in Brazilian ethnic formation, in Brazilian History, and in religion.
It contains a brief historical introduction; a short description of the main elements, including Axé and the main Orixás; a description of the divinatory ritual; and a apologetic but unseemingly deep discussion of the cultural significance of Candomblé in today's life.
The book lacks a more formal definition of its subject, maybe omitted because of length constraints. Bibliographical quotations could be improved if footnotes with reference to quoted book's page number were added, but are present in the end of the work.
I recommend this book as a very good short introduction to a subject of interest to anyone interested in African presence and cultural influence in the Americas, in Brazilian ethnic formation, in Brazilian History, and in religion.
August 15, 2016
Interesting
It is an interesting book on Candomble but I think the translator added some Lukumi practices which are not part of the Candomble such as Olokun nor Ifa. I also saw references of Oya in a Lukumi form.
It is an interesting book on Candomble but I think the translator added some Lukumi practices which are not part of the Candomble such as Olokun nor Ifa. I also saw references of Oya in a Lukumi form.
March 24, 2016
Excellent overview of Candomble and its place in Afro-Brazilian culture.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews