An engaging introduction to one of the most intriguing cultures of contemporary society

“A unique reassaertion of the theoretical and practical foundations of one of the most remarkable international cultures on the face of the earth.” - Professor Barry Hallen, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA.

“The book will certainly generate new conversation on many issues of interest to scholars and to to the general reader.” - Professor Jacob K. Olupona, UC Davis, CA

- Foreword by John Pemberton III, Crosby Professor of Religion, Emeritus, Amherst College, MA

Chapter 1 Introduction - 1.1. Where is Africa? 1.2. The Study of Yoruba Culture. Chapter 2 The Yoruba - 2.1. Locations, Populations and Culture; 2.2. From Africa to the New World. Chapter 3 The Yoruba Cosmos - 3.1. Ifa and Yoruba Culture; 3.2. Gods and Anti-Gods; 3.3. Olodumare and Yoruba Theology. Chapter 4 Yoruba Medicine - 4.1. The Yoruba Conception of Arun (Illness); 4.2. The Role of Sonponna (Obaluaye); 4.3. Some Implications of Yoruba Medicine. Chapter 5 The Value of Practical Beliefs - 5.1. Culture as Communal Practices; 5.2. Culture as Individual Beliefs; 5.3. Practical Beliefs (or the Culture Within). Appendices - Yoruba Text of Translated Ifa Poems; A Yoruba Prayer; Glossary of Major Yoruba Divinities