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Ifa Divination: Communication between Gods and Men in West Africa (Midland Book)
 
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Ifa Divination: Communication between Gods and Men in West Africa (Midland Book) [Paperback]

William W. Bascom (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)

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Book Description

0253206383 978-0253206381 March 22, 1991

"The sacred texts of Ifa, repository of the accumulated wisdom of countless generations of Yoruba people, are an invaluable source not only for all students of African oral literature and Yoruba civilization, but also for future generations interested in the continuing vitality of Ifa divination and a Yoruba way of life and thought." —Henry Drewal

This landmark study of Ifa, the most important and elaborate system of divination of the Yoruba people of Nigeria, remains a monumental contribution to scholarship in anthropology, folklore, religion, philosophy, linguistics, and African and African-American studies.


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Frequently Bought Together

Ifa Divination: Communication between Gods and Men in West Africa (Midland Book) + Sixteen Cowries: Yoruba Divination from Africa to the New World + Practitioner's Handbook for the IFA Professional
Price For All Three: $126.75

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Product Details

  • Paperback: 608 pages
  • Publisher: Indiana University Press (March 22, 1991)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0253206383
  • ISBN-13: 978-0253206381
  • Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 1.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #315,329 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

11 Reviews
5 star:
 (8)
4 star:
 (2)
3 star:
 (1)
2 star:    (0)
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Average Customer Review
4.6 out of 5 stars (11 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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22 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Not for Aleyos, February 6, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Ifa Divination: Communication between Gods and Men in West Africa (Midland Book) (Paperback)
This book was recommended to be by a very trusted person - I thought it would tell me all I need to know about Ifá. I was mistaken. Much of the Yoruba faith is secret, so I was not looking to find what I knew I could not. However, women seeking to learn about Yoruba practices should not read the book as women cannot use the divination methods that Bascom describes in the book. Not to say that one should not order it...all reading is good. Do not expect to read about anything that is not involving Babalawos, and divination using Merindinlogun. The information was informative and interesting, but not useful for me at all since I am female and cannot become a Babalawo. This book would be most helpful for men without an Awo as of yet, seeking to learn more about Ifá. The most, for a woman, that this book has to offer is the Odu verses - which are not complete. For that I would have purchased the complete Odu-Ifá with additional books on the Orisa and other aspects of this spirituality. I would recommend, for beginners, books by Karade instead.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Bascom never ceases to amaze me !!!!, June 21, 1998
This review is from: Ifa Divination: Communication between Gods and Men in West Africa (Midland Book) (Paperback)
Bascom is truly one of the all time best authors and anthropologists of the Yoruba religion and culture. He has brought out many kept secrets, legends and patakis of this religion out to the new world so as to not loose this wonderful knowledge with watered down versions of same. This book is a wonderful insight to the Yoruba religion and culture for students and practitioners alike. IFA Divination is a must have to any avid collector, practitioner, or student of African Religion, Yoruba culture or Ifa practice in the Western world.

Mo dupe William Bascom

Once again Bascom leaves us in awe !

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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for any Ifa devotee, June 4, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Ifa Divination: Communication between Gods and Men in West Africa (Midland Book) (Paperback)
Awo bascom has left his mark here at IKOLE-AYE (earth)with this systematic approach so simple that any non-practitioner of the Ifa religion could understand.It at the same time contains detailed information that any Awo or Babalawo would not part.Any purchaser would greatly get their money's worth.
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