Ritual, Discourse, and Community in Cuban Santería

Description:

"In Ritual, Discourse, and Community in Cuban Santeria, Kristina Wirtz examines the religious lives of santeros in Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city on the island. Wirtz argues that these religious communities are held together not because members agree on their interpretations of rituals but precisely because they often disagree on the issues. Her analysis opens a window into this growing world religion." "Drawing on ethnographic research about Santeria beliefs and practices, Wirtz observes that practitioners are constantly engaged in reflection about what they and other practitioners are doing, how the orichas (deities) have responded, and what the consequences of their actions were or will be. Santeros re-create, moment to moment, what their religion is. Wirtz also argues that Santeria cannot be considered in isolation from the complex religious landscape of contemporary Cuba, in which African-based traditions are viewed with a mix of fascination, folkloric pride, and suspicion."--book jacket.

subjects: Case studies,  Communities,  Religious aspects of Communities,  Religious life and customs,  Santeria,  Communication, religious aspects,  Cuba, social life and customs,  Religious aspects

Places: Cuba,  Santiago de Cuba,  Santiago de Cuba (Cuba)