Afro-Cuban Myths

This book deals with the myths of the orishas. Since it was published in 1938 under the title Oh, Mio Yemaya!, it has become a classic in the field. It was the first attempt in Cuba to gather a sizeable sample of the numerous patakies or myths characteristic of the Regla de Ocha or Santeria, the most widespread of the Afro-Cuban religions practiced on the island. The author had to overcome prejudice that considered the religion and its associated literature undeserving of intellectual attention and at the same time penetrate the secrecy in which black believers cloaked their beliefs and practices, fearful - with good reason - of attracting disdain, desecration, and persecution.

“A collection of myths from the Yoruba branch of Afro-Cuban religions, the Spanish original of this book (1938) was a pioneer publication in the field. Lachatanere interviewed a practitioner of the most widespread Afro-Cuban religion; taking special care to maintain the oral style in the development of the stories, he reveals the freshness of the narrator's perspective as he outlines the cosmological fabric created by the encounter of the African people with the Catholic religion. The book includes stories of important deities, that will help the reader understand the conceptual world of the believers. Those interested in learning about Afro-Cuban music, art, and poetry will find in this translation an introductory manual to the language, certain foods used in ceremonies, and the role of divination and figures such as the trickster. Jorge Castellanos, a scholar who has published widely on the influence of African culture on Cuban society, provides an introduction that places the author's work in its social and cultural context. The volume includes a short glossary and a selection of songs and prayers dedicated to the deities. Summing up: Recommended. General readers. ' O.B. Gonzalez, Loyola University for Choice Magazine”

A collection of myths from the Yoruba branch of Afro-Cuban religions, the Spanish original of this book (1938) was a pioneer publication in the field. Lachatanere interviewed a practitioner of the most widespread Afro-Cuban religion; taking special care to maintain the oral style in the development of the stories, he reveals the freshness of the narrator's perspective as he outlines the cosmological fabric created by the encounter of the African people with the Catholic religion. The book includes stories of important deities, that will help the reader understand the conceptual world of the believers. Those interested in learning about Afro-Cuban music, art, and poetry will find in this translation an introductory manual to the language, certain foods used in ceremonies, and the role of divination and figures such as the trickster. Jorge Castellanos, a scholar who has published widely on the influence of African culture on Cuban society, provides an introduction that places the author's work in its social and cultural context. The volume includes a short glossary and a selection of songs and prayers dedicated to the deities. Summing up: Recommended. General readers. â O.B. Gonzalez, Loyola University for Choice Magazine

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