Spirits, Blood and Drums: The Orisha Religion in Trinidad

By James Houk

Book Overview

Examines the historical forces that have transformed Orisha from a relatively simple religion in colonial Trinidad to an abstruse mix of belief, ritual, and symbolism. The voices of worshippers and Orisha leaders spring to life the intensity and power of the religion.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566393507
• ISBN13: 9781566393508
• Release Date: October 1995
• Publisher: Temple University Press
• Length: 238 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A great piece of scholastic work!

This book is a wonderful resource for those interested in the Orisa religion as practiced in Trinidad & Tobago. Written by a Social Scientist and initiate using a sort of participation/observation methodology, the content is good. My only real issue with the book is that I feel Houk did not spend enough time IN T & T and that his sources may be slightly biased due to the limited time constraints. Surveys numerous shrines and temples throughout the island (Trinidad) and the incorporation of indegenous and imported belief systems. Given the general lack of information on this subject, I think it is a wonderful piece of work! I highly recommend it.