Spirit World: Pattern in the Expressive Folk Culture of New Orleans

by Michael P. Smith

Documents the thriving cultural richness of black New Orleans and captures the expressions of urban black folk culture.

Genres: Art, Music, Anthropology, History, Cultural

120 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 1987

Reviews

[Andrewhouston · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best documentation of New Orleans African American cultural traditions. Smith was an outsider to the culture but was obviously trusted because the photos and written accounts are so intimate. The back of the book says that Smith considered the photographs to be a community service rather than a personal art. This book is a must for anyone interested in Mardi Gras Indian gangs, New Orleans African American churches, jazz funerals, etc. Many professional photographers have photographed jazz funerals and Mardi Gras Indian Chiefs but none so well as Michael P. Smith that I have seen.

[Ted Gurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great photos and journal of Smith's discovery of the New Orleans spiritual churches.