Publisher's Synopsis
In an introduction to the variety of African traditional religions, rather than exploring each and every one, this book offers five examples which are believed to be broadly representative. Zulu and Shona systems are chosen to introduce the southern Bantu religions. Ancient hunting and gathering religious approches from the San of equatorial southern Africa and the Mbuti pygmies of the equatorial rain forest are included - they may have influenced the more structured Bantu systems. And, the complex, well-developed religious systems of West Africa are represented by inclusion of the Yoruba.