Books
Please
note, regarding our English Catalog: All titles are evaluated by CLBA before we
suggest them.
SANTERIA GARMENTS AND ALTARS: Ysamur Flores Pena & Roberta J. Evanchuk
The book is among the most interesting that are available on the aesthetics. Highlights altars, vestments and religious garments used in Lukumi religion of Cuba.
ISBN 0-87805-703-x 72 pages with color plates. $49.00
THE ALTAR OF MY SOUL: Marta Moreno Vega
A wonderful personal narrative of the author, scholar, and priestess. The book in many respects is a testimony of the living traditions of the Lukumi.
ISBN 978-0-345-42155-5 (0-345-42155-8) $13.00
BEADS OF GLASS, BEADS OF STONE: An introduction to Orisha and apataki of the Yoruba Religion; Lionell F. Scott
The author is known in some circles as Babalashe Odufora. Here, he expounds on material he presented in his first book Tales of Ancestors and Orisha, giving more apataki (teaching stories) and insight into the Orisha of those who wish to learn about Yoruba, and for all who seek wisdom and inspiration in meeting life's challenges.
Glosssary. Index. 82 pp.
ISBN 0-9666787-5-1 Paper $12.95
TALES OF ANCESTORS AND ORISHA: Lionell F. Scott
With this book you will enter primordial battlefield of good and evil, in the story of the osayin: The Iron Birds Protection; encounter the orisha in their most human-like behavior, in the stories whose central characters are Elegba, Ogun, Obatala, Shango, Orisha Oko. You will even be introduced to talking insects! These delightful religious stories of the Fun She often feature surprise endings, as well as a moral lesson.
Illustrated. Glossary. 36 pp.
ISBN 0-96387-2-7 Paper $ 6.98
OGBE- The Odus of Ogbe: Anthony Ferreira
Discusses the multiplicity of Orunmila's senior Olodu, Eji-Ogbe, also known as Obata, Gbe Mi, Jlonile and his disciples (odus). Includes terms and references to aspects of Ifa from Cuba, Nigeria, Togo, Benin and Brazil, making this book a rare and essential literary work. Topics covered are: Interpretation; Plants; Health; Taboos; Sacrifices; License and baths. Includes over 60 spiritual preparations and rituals. Readers can use this as an Orisha cookbook.
Index. 154 pp.
ISBN 1-890157-03-1-9 Paper $ 21.96
IFISM- The Complete Works Of Orunmila (volume 1): C. Osamaro Ibie
In this first volume, Mr. Ibie gives us an in-depth and comprehensive overview of Orunmila, the oracular divinity. Beginning with chapter 1, The Author's early Association With Orunmila and continuing to chapter 13, the author brings to the reader a very extensive examination of each of the sixteen Olodus (apostles of Orunmila), in order of their seniority beginning with Eji-Ogbe and ending with Ofun meji. This seventeen volume series gives a thorough religious and spiritual discourse on Ifism through these very Complete Works of Orunmila.
Introduction. Illustrations. 251 pp.
ISBN 1-890157-04-x Hard Cover $ 52.95
IFISM- Volumes 10, 11,12 and 13 The Odus of Ogunda, Osa, Etura & Irete: C. Osamaro Ibie
In these volumes, Mr. Ibie continues his revelations of the odus. In addition to revealing the earthly works performed by each Odu (disciple of Orunmila), Mr. Ibie also gives account as in his previous volumes of the heavenly works of the odus as well. This book whether novice or initiate will be amazed at the amount of information contained in this series which has been never before published.
Paperback: 365 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1890157309
ISBN-13: 978-1890157302
THE RELIGION OF THE YORUBAS: J. Olumide Lucas
A comprehensive study of the Yoruba, including a survey of the major Orishas, the deified spirits of the ancestors and other spirits, the minor Orishas, details of priesthood and worship, the Yoruba conception of human beings, magic in Yorubaland, and the survival of hieroglyphics, emblems and other symbols. A scholarly work.
Illustrated. Appendix. Bibliography. 440 pp.
ISBN 0-9638787-8-6 Paper $ 29.95
APETEBI- The Wife of Orunmila: Chief Priest Ifayemi Elebuibon
Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon comes from a family acclaimed to be one of the authorities on Yoruba traditional institution. His great ancestor, Olutimehin was one of the co-founders of the City of Oshogbo, in Osun State of Nigeria. Yemi is a Yoruba poet and is known all over the world. He is an herbalist, diviner, dramatist, playwright, author of many books on YORUBA CULTURE. This book discusses the role of women in Ifa, the First Principle Wife of Orunmila and through the various Odus relates and analysis various aspects and circumstances of apetebi. An especially important book for women's studies. Introduction.
Photographs. Notes. Glossary. 82 pp
ISBN 0-9638787-1-9 Paper $ 12.98
YORUBA BELIEFS AND SACRIFICIAL RITES: J. Omosade Awolau
Surveys previous works on Yoruba religion and outlines a typology of beliefs, as well as offers an interpretation of religious rites as elements of sacrificial system. This serious study gives valuable material for other approaches to religion comparative, scientific and theological in addition to providing a point of reference for further studies of socio-religious change and a glimpse into the potential future of the Yoruba religion.
Illustration. Notes. Index. 232 pp.
ISBN 0-9638787-3-5 Paper $15.25
INTRODUCTION TO YORUBA PHILOSOPHY, RELIGION AND LITERATURE: Dr. Yemi D. Ogunyemi
Divided into three parts, introduction to Yoruba Philosophy, Religion and Literature is a pyramid of Yoruba past and the present. In his search for the imprints of his antecedents, Yemi has assembled a number of papers in which the entire universe seemed to have been Ile Ife's backyard. This is a useful book for anyone who has been touched by the winds of dispersal and multi-cultural folk memory, especially faculty members teaching African/African American Studies. A true believer cannot do without the spirit of the wellness of Olodumare. In juxtaposing Philosophy, religion and Literature under cover, Yemi has shown that one cannot do without the other, either in Yorubaland or elsewhere in the world".
Paperback: 176 pages
ISBN-10: 1890157147
ISBN-13: 978-1890157142 $18.33
COVENANT OF THE EARTH: Dr. Yemi D. Ogunyemi
Ile Ife is a Yoruba ceremonial and trading center from which its people dispersed to find their kingdoms. It is noted for its naturalistic figures in brass and terrracotta. It is ageless because it is the cradle of mankind. Ile Ife is not only the first town in Yorubaland, it is also the cultural capital of Oduduwa, the primogenitor of the Yoruba people.
According to the oral literature, the Yoruba's have a large number of deities. One of them is Orunlala who on reaching Ile Ife, assumed the name Aiyelala, a deity revered among the Atlantic Yoruba. He also claimed to be the twin brother of the notorious child, Abiku. In this narrative poem, (unique, nostalgic, salutary, divinatory and pining), the author shed light on the most powerful deities in the homeland.
Illustrations. 64 pp. I
SBN 1-890157-15-5 Paper $ 10.95
YEMONJA, MATERNAL DIVINITY: Tranquil Sea, Turbulent Tides: Lloyd Weaver and Olurunmi Egbelade
As there are spirits in the earth, so the yoruba believe that there are spirits dwelling in the rivers, lagoons and the sea. These spirits are revered principally by those who dwell near rivers, lagoons or sea and who believe that the spirits, if suitably provided can in return provide man's needs. They control abundance of fish, they prevent the capsizing of canoes and river accidents; some of the spirits supply children to the barren. Yemonja, for example, is believed to be the goddess of waters generally and from her body, according to the people's belief, all rivers, lagoons and the sea flow out. Today she is associated with the Ogun River and is given elaborate worship in those areas through which it flows, particularly in Abeokuta.
Illustrations. Photograph. Index. 200 pp.
ISBN 1-890157-10-4 Paper $ 19.95
DIVINE INSPIRATION: From Benin to Bahia: Phyllis Galembo
Photographer Phyllis Galembo was invited to Nigeria in 1985 to document the research of her friend and colleague, Norma Rosen, on the design and use of traditional Edo altars, ritual objects, and ceremonial dress. From this and subsequent journey comes this collection of spectacular photographs and essays on Nigerian and Brazilian shrines and ritual figures. The first section of this book contains rare photographs of traditional priests and priestesses and the shrine objects they use. Both the essay by Rosen, an ordained Olokun priestess, and Galembo's powerful photographs illuminate some of the West Africa's elaborate cultural and religious traditions. The second section explores the Brazilian form of ancient African spiritual religion brought to the New World during the Atlantic slave trade of the sixteenth century. The connection between the Ivory Coast of Africa and the New World has been acknowledged in works on the history, anthropology literature, folklore and music of the two areas, but never has visual documentation of this depth and quality been made available. This book breaks new ground in the study of African Diaspora while it provides powerful photographs that are, above all, a celebration of the senses.
83 color plates. 192 pp. 11x 11
ISBN 1-890157-17-1 Paper $ 45.00
SANTERIA GARMENTS AND ALTARS: Ysamur Flores Pena & Roberta J. Evanchuk
The book is among the most interesting that are available on the aesthetics. Highlights altars, vestments and religious garments used in Lukumi religion of Cuba.
ISBN 0-87805-703-x 72 pages with color plates. $49.00
THE ALTAR OF MY SOUL: Marta Moreno Vega
A wonderful personal narrative of the author, scholar, and priestess. The book in many respects is a testimony of the living traditions of the Lukumi.
ISBN 978-0-345-42155-5 (0-345-42155-8) $13.00
BEADS OF GLASS, BEADS OF STONE: An introduction to Orisha and apataki of the Yoruba Religion; Lionell F. Scott
The author is known in some circles as Babalashe Odufora. Here, he expounds on material he presented in his first book Tales of Ancestors and Orisha, giving more apataki (teaching stories) and insight into the Orisha of those who wish to learn about Yoruba, and for all who seek wisdom and inspiration in meeting life's challenges.
Glosssary. Index. 82 pp.
ISBN 0-9666787-5-1 Paper $12.95
TALES OF ANCESTORS AND ORISHA: Lionell F. Scott
With this book you will enter primordial battlefield of good and evil, in the story of the osayin: The Iron Birds Protection; encounter the orisha in their most human-like behavior, in the stories whose central characters are Elegba, Ogun, Obatala, Shango, Orisha Oko. You will even be introduced to talking insects! These delightful religious stories of the Fun She often feature surprise endings, as well as a moral lesson.
Illustrated. Glossary. 36 pp.
ISBN 0-96387-2-7 Paper $ 6.98
OGBE- The Odus of Ogbe: Anthony Ferreira
Discusses the multiplicity of Orunmila's senior Olodu, Eji-Ogbe, also known as Obata, Gbe Mi, Jlonile and his disciples (odus). Includes terms and references to aspects of Ifa from Cuba, Nigeria, Togo, Benin and Brazil, making this book a rare and essential literary work. Topics covered are: Interpretation; Plants; Health; Taboos; Sacrifices; License and baths. Includes over 60 spiritual preparations and rituals. Readers can use this as an Orisha cookbook.
Index. 154 pp.
ISBN 1-890157-03-1-9 Paper $ 21.96
IFISM- The Complete Works Of Orunmila (volume 1): C. Osamaro Ibie
In this first volume, Mr. Ibie gives us an in-depth and comprehensive overview of Orunmila, the oracular divinity. Beginning with chapter 1, The Author's early Association With Orunmila and continuing to chapter 13, the author brings to the reader a very extensive examination of each of the sixteen Olodus (apostles of Orunmila), in order of their seniority beginning with Eji-Ogbe and ending with Ofun meji. This seventeen volume series gives a thorough religious and spiritual discourse on Ifism through these very Complete Works of Orunmila.
Introduction. Illustrations. 251 pp.
ISBN 1-890157-04-x Hard Cover $ 52.95
IFISM- Volumes 10, 11,12 and 13 The Odus of Ogunda, Osa, Etura & Irete: C. Osamaro Ibie
In these volumes, Mr. Ibie continues his revelations of the odus. In addition to revealing the earthly works performed by each Odu (disciple of Orunmila), Mr. Ibie also gives account as in his previous volumes of the heavenly works of the odus as well. This book whether novice or initiate will be amazed at the amount of information contained in this series which has been never before published.
Paperback: 365 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1890157309
ISBN-13: 978-1890157302
THE RELIGION OF THE YORUBAS: J. Olumide Lucas
A comprehensive study of the Yoruba, including a survey of the major Orishas, the deified spirits of the ancestors and other spirits, the minor Orishas, details of priesthood and worship, the Yoruba conception of human beings, magic in Yorubaland, and the survival of hieroglyphics, emblems and other symbols. A scholarly work.
Illustrated. Appendix. Bibliography. 440 pp.
ISBN 0-9638787-8-6 Paper $ 29.95
APETEBI- The Wife of Orunmila: Chief Priest Ifayemi Elebuibon
Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon comes from a family acclaimed to be one of the authorities on Yoruba traditional institution. His great ancestor, Olutimehin was one of the co-founders of the City of Oshogbo, in Osun State of Nigeria. Yemi is a Yoruba poet and is known all over the world. He is an herbalist, diviner, dramatist, playwright, author of many books on YORUBA CULTURE. This book discusses the role of women in Ifa, the First Principle Wife of Orunmila and through the various Odus relates and analysis various aspects and circumstances of apetebi. An especially important book for women's studies. Introduction.
Photographs. Notes. Glossary. 82 pp
ISBN 0-9638787-1-9 Paper $ 12.98
YORUBA BELIEFS AND SACRIFICIAL RITES: J. Omosade Awolau
Surveys previous works on Yoruba religion and outlines a typology of beliefs, as well as offers an interpretation of religious rites as elements of sacrificial system. This serious study gives valuable material for other approaches to religion comparative, scientific and theological in addition to providing a point of reference for further studies of socio-religious change and a glimpse into the potential future of the Yoruba religion.
Illustration. Notes. Index. 232 pp.
ISBN 0-9638787-3-5 Paper $15.25
INTRODUCTION TO YORUBA PHILOSOPHY, RELIGION AND LITERATURE: Dr. Yemi D. Ogunyemi
Divided into three parts, introduction to Yoruba Philosophy, Religion and Literature is a pyramid of Yoruba past and the present. In his search for the imprints of his antecedents, Yemi has assembled a number of papers in which the entire universe seemed to have been Ile Ife's backyard. This is a useful book for anyone who has been touched by the winds of dispersal and multi-cultural folk memory, especially faculty members teaching African/African American Studies. A true believer cannot do without the spirit of the wellness of Olodumare. In juxtaposing Philosophy, religion and Literature under cover, Yemi has shown that one cannot do without the other, either in Yorubaland or elsewhere in the world".
Paperback: 176 pages
ISBN-10: 1890157147
ISBN-13: 978-1890157142 $18.33
COVENANT OF THE EARTH: Dr. Yemi D. Ogunyemi
Ile Ife is a Yoruba ceremonial and trading center from which its people dispersed to find their kingdoms. It is noted for its naturalistic figures in brass and terrracotta. It is ageless because it is the cradle of mankind. Ile Ife is not only the first town in Yorubaland, it is also the cultural capital of Oduduwa, the primogenitor of the Yoruba people.
According to the oral literature, the Yoruba's have a large number of deities. One of them is Orunlala who on reaching Ile Ife, assumed the name Aiyelala, a deity revered among the Atlantic Yoruba. He also claimed to be the twin brother of the notorious child, Abiku. In this narrative poem, (unique, nostalgic, salutary, divinatory and pining), the author shed light on the most powerful deities in the homeland.
Illustrations. 64 pp. I
SBN 1-890157-15-5 Paper $ 10.95
YEMONJA, MATERNAL DIVINITY: Tranquil Sea, Turbulent Tides: Lloyd Weaver and Olurunmi Egbelade
As there are spirits in the earth, so the yoruba believe that there are spirits dwelling in the rivers, lagoons and the sea. These spirits are revered principally by those who dwell near rivers, lagoons or sea and who believe that the spirits, if suitably provided can in return provide man's needs. They control abundance of fish, they prevent the capsizing of canoes and river accidents; some of the spirits supply children to the barren. Yemonja, for example, is believed to be the goddess of waters generally and from her body, according to the people's belief, all rivers, lagoons and the sea flow out. Today she is associated with the Ogun River and is given elaborate worship in those areas through which it flows, particularly in Abeokuta.
Illustrations. Photograph. Index. 200 pp.
ISBN 1-890157-10-4 Paper $ 19.95
DIVINE INSPIRATION: From Benin to Bahia: Phyllis Galembo
Photographer Phyllis Galembo was invited to Nigeria in 1985 to document the research of her friend and colleague, Norma Rosen, on the design and use of traditional Edo altars, ritual objects, and ceremonial dress. From this and subsequent journey comes this collection of spectacular photographs and essays on Nigerian and Brazilian shrines and ritual figures. The first section of this book contains rare photographs of traditional priests and priestesses and the shrine objects they use. Both the essay by Rosen, an ordained Olokun priestess, and Galembo's powerful photographs illuminate some of the West Africa's elaborate cultural and religious traditions. The second section explores the Brazilian form of ancient African spiritual religion brought to the New World during the Atlantic slave trade of the sixteenth century. The connection between the Ivory Coast of Africa and the New World has been acknowledged in works on the history, anthropology literature, folklore and music of the two areas, but never has visual documentation of this depth and quality been made available. This book breaks new ground in the study of African Diaspora while it provides powerful photographs that are, above all, a celebration of the senses.
83 color plates. 192 pp. 11x 11
ISBN 1-890157-17-1 Paper $ 45.00