Reclaiming African Religions in Trinidad: The Socio-Political Legitimation of the Orisha and Spiritu

Frances Henry explores connections among various African religions, the cultural identity and historic experiences of Caribbean peoples, and the re-discovery of the African past as an important aspect of national identity in Trinidad and Tobago.

Dynamic doctrinal and ideological changes have taken place within these religions, and Reclaiming African Religions addresses these as it documents the legislative and social acceptance of African religions today. Considering contemporary history and religious debate, Henry analyses both the process by which marginalized religions move toward the mainstream and the various internal and external tensions such as movement engender.

Enriched by Henry's years of intensive fieldwork in Trinidad, Reclaiming African Religions makes a particularly strong contribution in its discussions of ritual authenticity.