African Beliefs in the New World: Popular Literary Traditions of the Caribbean

By Lucie Pradel

Like a kaleidoscope, the Caribbean world displays the vibrant colors of its diversity. Ethnic groups from four continents brought their customs and beliefs to this New World. The sheer number of African people brought to the Caribbean islands perpetuated through their spiritual vitality, the central role played by traditional religions in African life. Though they hadn't brought along the material support of their worship, they had buried in their memory other essential supports: memories of gods, of myths, rites, rhythms, tales, legends, proverbs, songs, dances, sculptures, all the fundamental vectors of their religious thought. Through a process of secularization, continuity, adaptation, creation, syncretism and synthesis, these elements helped vitalize the artistic, profane and sacred domains of Caribbean cultures.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0865437033
• ISBN13: 9780865437036
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Africa Research and Publications
• Length: 290 Pages