Afro-Cuban Religions and the Arts

Alan West-Durán is professor in the Department of Cultures, Societies, and Global Studies (CSGS) at Northeastern University.

This is an exceptional book, beautifully written, and infused with deep spirituality and academic rigor. Alan West-Durán offers a comprehensive exploration of Afro-Cuban religions like Ocha, Palo, and Abakuá through the lenses of music, art, and film. He masterfully discusses how popular genres such as son, salsa, and rap reflect Afro-Cuban spirituality, analyzing songs that highlight faith, rituals, and cultural pride. Subsequent chapters study the work of distinguished artists like Omar Sosa, whose music brilliantly blends Afro-Cuban and global influences, and María Magdalena Campos-Pons, whose art powerfully engages with identity and orisha spirituality. Through insightful analyses of films by Fernando Pérez and artwork by José Bedia, the book skillfully examines representations of orisha archetypes and Cuban spiritual practices. It culminates with an insightful discussion of the Haitian Revolution and Vodou, offering a deep understanding of their lasting impact on both Haitian and Cuban cultural identity and social change. Afro-Cuban Religions and the Arts is an outstanding and illuminating work.

• AcknowledgmentsIntroduction: The Dogs of Myth, the Dogs of HistoryChapter 1: Don't Mess With the Saints: Afro-Cuban Religions and Popular Music, from María Teresa Vera to Hip HopChapter 2: "A River That Never Rests": Omar SosaChapter 3: Whistling into the Future with the Orishas: "Life is to Whistle"Chapter 4: Water, Crossroads and Diaspora: Magda Campos-PonsChapter 5: Crossroads of History and the Spirits: José BediaChapter 6: All That's Ideology Melts into Flesh: "Juan of the Dead" and Palero ResilienceChapter 7: The Haitian Revolution and Vodou: Myth, Muses and HistoryPostscript: A Dialogue with the DeadAppendix A: Regla de Ocha (Santeria)Appendix B: Reglas de PaloAppendix C: The AbakuáAppendix D: VodouAppendix E: Chart of Comparative Pantheons (Ocha-Palo-Abakuá-Catholic--Greek)Appendix F: Vodou Pantheon with Catholic Syncretisms Appendix G: Afro-Cuban Religious and Vodou Glossary of TermsBibliographyIndexAbout the Author