African Science: Witchcraft, Vodun, and Healing in Southern Benin
African Science: Witchcraft, Vodun, and Healing in Southern Benin
Falen, Douglas J.
product information
Condition: New, UPC: 9780299318949, Publication Date: Mon, June 1, 2020, Type: Paperback ,
join & start selling
description
1In this sensitive and personal investigation into Benin's occult world, Douglas J. Falen wrestles with the challenges of encountering a reality in which magic, science, and the Vodun religion converge into a single universal force. He takes seriously his Beninese interlocutors' insistence that the indigenous phenomenon known as ze ("witchcraft") is an African science, credited with fantastic and productive deeds, such as teleportation and supernatural healing.

Although the Beninese understanding of ze reflects positive scientific properties in its use of specialized knowledge to harness nature's energy and realize economic success, its boundless power is inherently ambivalent because it can corrupt its users, who dispense death and destruction. Witches and healers are equivalent to supervillains and superheroes, locked in epic battles over malevolent and benevolent human desires. Beninese people's discourse about such mystical confrontations expresses a philosophy of moral duality and cosmic balance. Falen demonstrates how a deep engagement with another lived reality opens our minds and contributes to understanding across cultural difference.

reviews

Be the first to write a review

member goods

No member items were found under this heading.

notems store

Buenos Nachos!

by Hamadey, Gina

Hardcover /Hardcover

$18.75

Letters to the Sons of ...

by Senghor, Shaka

Paperback /Paperback

$13.50

Unbought and Unbossed

by Chisholm, Shirley

Paperback /Paperback

$13.49

listens & views

ROYAL BLUE: RICHARD STOLTZMAN (JPN)

by STOLTZMAN,RICHARD

COMPACT DISC

out of stock

$18.99

LUNA MAGISTRA

by ENAM

COMPACT DISC

out of stock

$14.75

FREI UND ABGEBRANNT

by BRINK,BERNHARD

COMPACT DISC

out of stock

$16.99

Return Policy

All sales are final

Shipping

No special shipping considerations available.
Shipping fees determined at checkout.