Tagged with Africa

Blissed-out, ecstatic union with our divine selves – we seek it at raves and rock concerts, and in the desert with the Burning Man. I try to get there when I'm jamming with my band – but I didn't realize how much this longing relates to Voodoo, and the concept of possession. (more)

In a culture where participation in American Indian spiritual practices can be arranged for you by a travel agent, it is important to understand the history of the things we choose to practice, particularly with regard to historical conditions of exploitation. So does this mean that my white students shouldn't be rapping?  (more)

According to the Yoruba, Ashe is the foundational energy of this world and the other. Without ashe, the orishas – the gods or active powers of creation – would be shadows hovering on the edge of nonexistence, the human body would be a corpse, the greatest work of art would be a shell. (more)

Hans Silvester presents an astounding collection of photographs of two African tribes who use plants and other natural materials to create elaborate fashions. (more)