Spirited Things - The Work of 'Possession' in Afro-Atlantic Religions

The word "possession" is trickier than we often think, especially in the context of the Black Atlantic and its religions and economy. Here possession can refer to spirits, material goods, and, indeed, people. This book features essays by anthropologists in the Americas to explore the nexus found at the heart of the idea of being possessed.

About the author

Paul Christopher Johnson is professor of history and Afroamerican and African studies and director of the Doctoral Program in Anthropology and History at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He is the author of Secrets, Gossip, and Gods: The Transformation of Brazilian Candomble and Diaspora Conversions: Black Carib Religion and the Recovery of Africa.

Summary

The word "possession" is trickier than we often think, especially in the context of the Black Atlantic and its religions and economy. Here possession can refer to spirits, material goods, and, indeed, people. This book features essays by anthropologists in the Americas to explore the nexus found at the heart of the idea of being possessed.

Product details

• Authors: Paul Christopher Johnson
• Assisted by: Paul Christopher Johnson (Editor), Johnson Paul Christopher (Editor)
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 07.05.2014
• EAN: 9780226122625
• ISBN: 978-0-226-12262-5
• No. of pages: 344
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Other religions; RELIGION / Spirituality, Africa, Spirituality & religious experience, Spirituality and religious experience, Traditional African religions and spiritual beliefs, Other non-Christian religions, RELIGION / Folk & Tribal