Rastafari: Roots and Ideology (Utopianism & Communitarianism) [Paperback]

Barry Chevannes (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

According to social anthropologist Chevannes, understanding the Jamaican-born movement that takes its name after the prince, or ras, named Tafari Makonnen who was crowned in 1930 as Ethiopia's Emperor Haile Selassie requires looking not so much at dreadlocks or reggae but at the worldview of the Jamaican peasantry who replaced rural with urban poverty as they migrated to Kingston in the early 1930s. Drawing on his 1974 dissertation fieldwork, Chevannes traces Rastafari to forms of cultural reconstruction, including idealization of Africa, and to the belief system and ethics of what he calls Revivalism. Revivalist beliefs, which helped the peasants cope with oppression, turned on a hope of undoing European colonization and domination. Chevannes's writing style is stilted and his view is not comprehensive, yet there is little literature on the subject that would allow placing his work in context. For collections on Jamaica, the African diaspora, or millenarian movements.
Thomas J. Davis, SUNY at Buffalo
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

The term Rastafari connotes reggae music and Bob Marley to the masses, but Rastafari is much more than a backdrop of red, yellow, and green banners for music videos. Chevannes examines the religion's history and development in detail, which means his book is also a social history of Jamaica. Chevannes begins by tracing the cultural roots of the Rastafari movement to the slave trade in Jamaica from the sixteenth through the nineteenth century, in reaction to which a foundation was laid for the spirit of resistance that was later a major factor in Rastafari's spread on the island. Chevannes also closely attends to the internal rifts and doctrinal disputes that caused denominational splits within the movement. As Rastafari moved into the larger world, some of its teachings, such as the strict observance of menstrual taboos, were attacked. Chevannes' analysis of that growth and how it is changing present-day Rastafari is fascinating and illuminating. No fanbook for couch-bound "Waspafaris" sitting around the plastic bong, this is a serious look at a living, growing religion. Mike Tribby --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: Syracuse University Press (December 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815602960
• ISBN-13: 978-0815602965
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #352,027 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Rastafari
  • #18 in Books > History > Americas > Caribbean & West Indies > Jamaica

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Book on Rastafari, December 30, 1999

By 

Jennifer (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rastafari: Roots and Ideology (Utopianism & Communitarianism) (Paperback)

This book is highly reommended to anyone who has any quuestions about the religion. Chevannes discusses the history, the politics and the culture that built Rasta. Most books I found on Rastafari talked about Reggae and Bob Marley, but didin't even discuss the ideology. This book is also a must have for anyone interested in Black History and the the History of Christianity in the Caribbean I wish I could give this book 10 stars.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Targeted Study-- not a beginner's book, September 2, 2001

By 

Christopher W. Chase "Christopher W. Chase" (East Lansing, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rastafari: Roots and Ideology (Utopianism & Communitarianism) (Paperback)

Chevannes is a well-known contemporary scholar of Rastafari culture. In this book, he presents several different papers and studies he has done, in the form of chapters. What must be noted is that this is not a general book for people who are just getting interested in Rastafari--but rather an advanced text for people already familiar with the basics of this religio-cultural movement---like its myths, symbols, rituals, and so on.

Having said that, the book covers the history and development of Rastafari, from its roots in Myal religion and West African traditions to its development from Revivalism, another religious movement preceding Rastafari. Chevannes also covers Marcus Garvey, early Ethiopianism, and idealizations of "Africa" that inform Rasta ideology. Religious usage of Ganja and Dreadlocks is also covered, providing a helpful correct to racist right-wing myths about the Rasta.

An especially important chapter called "Word, Sound and Power" details the use of Rasta language. In-depth coverage of concepts such as "Babylon," "I-and-I," as well as the tendency of Rasta's to literalize word parts around the meaning of words is helpful.

This chapter will also help explain why Rastas shy away from vocalizing oppresion language in there own usage---while making it explicit in the language of those from Babylon.. Thus, "oppressor" becomes "downpressor"--conjuring up pictures of active political suppression. Certainly few understand better than the Rasta the power of language to control and direct thought and action.

In addition to this volume, check out the work of Leonard Barrett, and the book "Chanting Down Babylon:The Rastafari Reader" for more, informative, insightful information about this minority religio-cultural movement.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Start Here, June 1, 2001

By 

Andrew Barton (ithaca, ny United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rastafari: Roots and Ideology (Utopianism & Communitarianism) (Paperback)

...and move on to other books or talk with someone who knows about the religion. This book was my first insight into the ideology and history of Rastafari. After reading it carefully, I don't think that I have a good understanding of what exactly the religion is, what exactly a Rastafarian believes, and how the Rastafarian practices (I don't even know the proper word to use...Rasta, Rastafari, Rastafarian?). The historical context provided by Chevannes is excellent. His writing is very academic. If you don't have a solid background understanding of Rastafari, I would look to another book. This one is good, but perhaps misses some of the real basics while focusing on particular sects and historical facts of Rastafari.