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African Religion
9 sections·29 books
Ultimately, we are all Africans. Studies of mitochondrial DNA have proven that all human beings are descended from a small population (less than a hundred individuals) that emerged from Africa about 60,000 years ago. The earliest written religious texts as well as the first documented monotheistic religion also developed in Africa. During the European dark ages, many ancient manuscripts were preserved in African libraries in places such as Ethiopia and Timbuctoo.
This section has texts on the traditional spirituality of Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as their descendants in the New World.
Finding books about African religion and spiritual beliefs in the public domain was not difficult. These books have a great amount of useful information on this topic, some of it written before colonialism destroyed or greatly modified aspects of traditional culture. The problem with these works is that they were for the large part written by Europeans with their particular biases and agendas. For this reason, we encourage you to 'read between the lines'.
The texts here are provided for scholarly purposes. They may contain racist characterizations, errors of interpretation, or misrepresentations of traditional culture. For instance, the term 'Kaffir', which is used in many of these texts to refer to the Xhosa (Nelson Mandela's tribe), is now considered derogatory.
This page also has texts and books with alternate views, primarily written by African-Americans, which, in our opinion, also deserve consideration.
Africa is home to a rich religious tradition. Refer to Ancient Egypt, Islam, and Christianity.
South Africa
4 books
The Bantu
1 book- Myths and Legends of the Bantu Myths and Legends of the BantuThe rich traditions of the Bantu. Most of the books below also have material on the Bantu of West Africa.
West and Central Africa
9 booksThe West African area is important because this is where the majority of slaves departed for the New World. Hence large elements of West African, particularly Yoruba, religion (blended with Catholicism) can be found in religions such as Vodun (also known as Voodoo) (Haiti), Candomblè (Brazil) and Santeria (Carribean). For more information on New World African-derived religions, refer to the The Santeria page at Ontario Consultants for Religious Tolerance.
- Myths of Ífè
Notes on the Folklore of the FjortStorytelling from the Congo, a key source for West African folklore.
At the Back of the Black Man's MindReveals a complex system of sacred lands, rivers, trees, and omens among the West Africans.
- Fetichism in West Africa
Hausa FolkloreNigerian folklore from an indigenous storyteller, with a rich Islamic background.
Woman's Mysteries of a Primitive PeopleA woman ethnographer's unique perspective on a West African tribe.- The Yoruba Speaking Peoples
- Yoruba Legends
Comparative
1 book
Religion and MythOne of the first comparative studies of African spirituality.
African-American
1 book
Drums and ShadowsCoastal Georgia folklore from the 1930s and connections to African spiritual practices.
Caribbean
1 book- Jamaica Anansi Stories Jamaica Anansi StoriesJamaican folklore, music and riddles, featuring an indominable trickster hero.
Rastafarianism
5 books
The Kebra NagastThe legendary history of Ethiopia.- The Holy Piby The Holy PibyA classic--and very rare--Afrocentric religious text from the early 20th century, acclaimed by many Rastafarians as a forerunner of their beliefs.
- The Royal Parchment Scroll of Black Supremacy The Royal Parchment Scroll of Black SupremacyA rare proto-Rastafarian text from Jamaica.
The Promised KeyHowell advanced ideas similar to later Rastafarian beliefs, particularly casting Haile Selassie as the Black Messiah. A heavily edited version of the Royal Parchment Scroll.- The Wisdom of Rastafari The Wisdom of RastafariA short anthology of quotes from Haile Selassie compiled by a Rastafarian group.
Vodun
4 booksTwo short articles by Lafcadio Hearn about New Orleans Voodoo. Hearn, a New Orleans native, also wrote extensive works about Japan, available in the Shinto section.
Here are two books relating to Haitian Voodoo (Vodun). They were written by an outsider to the religion who was ultimately unable to penetrate its inner mysteries; however both of these books has strengths as historical and ethnographic background on the topic:
- Last of the Voudoos
- New Orleans Superstitions New Orleans Superstitions[1886] Here are two books relating to Haitian Voodoo (Vodun). They were written by an outsider to the religion who was ultimately unable to penetrate its inner mysteries; however both of these books has strengths as historical and ethnographic background on the topic:
- Voodoo and Obeahs Voodoo and ObeahsImportant historical context for Vodun, with extensive quotes from contemporary accounts.
- Psychic Phenomena of Jamaica Psychic Phenomena of JamaicaA study of supernatural activity in Jamaica, including the abusive duppy...
Afrocentric Historians
3 books
The NegroA great introduction to Black history by a noted African-American activist and scholar.- Wonderful Ethiopians of the Ancient Cushite Empire Wonderful Ethiopians of the Ancient Cushite EmpireA pioneering work of Afrocentric history.
Stolen LegacyDid the Greeks steal classical philosophy from an Ancient Egyptian mystery tradition?
African Religion
9 sections·29 books
Ultimately, we are all Africans. Studies of mitochondrial DNA have proven that all human beings are descended from a small population (less than a hundred individuals) that emerged from Africa about 60,000 years ago. The earliest written religious texts as well as the first documented monotheistic religion also developed in Africa. During the European dark ages, many ancient manuscripts were preserved in African libraries in places such as Ethiopia and Timbuctoo.
This section has texts on the traditional spirituality of Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as their descendants in the New World.
Finding books about African religion and spiritual beliefs in the public domain was not difficult. These books have a great amount of useful information on this topic, some of it written before colonialism destroyed or greatly modified aspects of traditional culture. The problem with these works is that they were for the large part written by Europeans with their particular biases and agendas. For this reason, we encourage you to 'read between the lines'.
The texts here are provided for scholarly purposes. They may contain racist characterizations, errors of interpretation, or misrepresentations of traditional culture. For instance, the term 'Kaffir', which is used in many of these texts to refer to the Xhosa (Nelson Mandela's tribe), is now considered derogatory.
This page also has texts and books with alternate views, primarily written by African-Americans, which, in our opinion, also deserve consideration.
Africa is home to a rich religious tradition. Refer to Ancient Egypt, Islam, and Christianity.
South Africa
4 booksThe Bantu
1 book- Myths and Legends of the Bantu Myths and Legends of the BantuThe rich traditions of the Bantu. Most of the books below also have material on the Bantu of West Africa.
West and Central Africa
9 booksThe West African area is important because this is where the majority of slaves departed for the New World. Hence large elements of West African, particularly Yoruba, religion (blended with Catholicism) can be found in religions such as Vodun (also known as Voodoo) (Haiti), Candomblè (Brazil) and Santeria (Carribean). For more information on New World African-derived religions, refer to the The Santeria page at Ontario Consultants for Religious Tolerance.
- Myths of Ífè
- Notes on the Folklore of the FjortStorytelling from the Congo, a key source for West African folklore.
- At the Back of the Black Man's MindReveals a complex system of sacred lands, rivers, trees, and omens among the West Africans.
-
- Fetichism in West Africa
- Hausa FolkloreNigerian folklore from an indigenous storyteller, with a rich Islamic background.
- Woman's Mysteries of a Primitive PeopleA woman ethnographer's unique perspective on a West African tribe.
- The Yoruba Speaking Peoples
- Yoruba Legends
Comparative
1 book- Religion and MythOne of the first comparative studies of African spirituality.
African-American
1 book- Drums and ShadowsCoastal Georgia folklore from the 1930s and connections to African spiritual practices.
Caribbean
1 book- Jamaica Anansi Stories Jamaica Anansi StoriesJamaican folklore, music and riddles, featuring an indominable trickster hero.
Rastafarianism
5 books- The Kebra NagastThe legendary history of Ethiopia.
- The Holy Piby The Holy PibyA classic--and very rare--Afrocentric religious text from the early 20th century, acclaimed by many Rastafarians as a forerunner of their beliefs.
- The Royal Parchment Scroll of Black Supremacy The Royal Parchment Scroll of Black SupremacyA rare proto-Rastafarian text from Jamaica.
- The Promised KeyHowell advanced ideas similar to later Rastafarian beliefs, particularly casting Haile Selassie as the Black Messiah. A heavily edited version of the Royal Parchment Scroll.
- The Wisdom of Rastafari The Wisdom of RastafariA short anthology of quotes from Haile Selassie compiled by a Rastafarian group.
Vodun
4 booksTwo short articles by Lafcadio Hearn about New Orleans Voodoo. Hearn, a New Orleans native, also wrote extensive works about Japan, available in the Shinto section.
Here are two books relating to Haitian Voodoo (Vodun). They were written by an outsider to the religion who was ultimately unable to penetrate its inner mysteries; however both of these books has strengths as historical and ethnographic background on the topic:
- Last of the Voudoos
- New Orleans Superstitions New Orleans Superstitions[1886] Here are two books relating to Haitian Voodoo (Vodun). They were written by an outsider to the religion who was ultimately unable to penetrate its inner mysteries; however both of these books has strengths as historical and ethnographic background on the topic:
- Voodoo and Obeahs Voodoo and ObeahsImportant historical context for Vodun, with extensive quotes from contemporary accounts.
- Psychic Phenomena of Jamaica Psychic Phenomena of JamaicaA study of supernatural activity in Jamaica, including the abusive duppy...
Afrocentric Historians
3 books- The NegroA great introduction to Black history by a noted African-American activist and scholar.
- Wonderful Ethiopians of the Ancient Cushite Empire Wonderful Ethiopians of the Ancient Cushite EmpireA pioneering work of Afrocentric history.
- Stolen LegacyDid the Greeks steal classical philosophy from an Ancient Egyptian mystery tradition?
The archive, offline Own the Wisdom of the Ages Every text in the library on a single USB drive. Read offline, cite freely, keep forever. No subscription required.
Get the drive $127.00
African Religion
9 sections·29 books
Ultimately, we are all Africans. Studies of mitochondrial DNA have proven that all human beings are descended from a small population (less than a hundred individuals) that emerged from Africa about 60,000 years ago. The earliest written religious texts as well as the first documented monotheistic religion also developed in Africa. During the European dark ages, many ancient manuscripts were preserved in African libraries in places such as Ethiopia and Timbuctoo.
This section has texts on the traditional spirituality of Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as their descendants in the New World.
Finding books about African religion and spiritual beliefs in the public domain was not difficult. These books have a great amount of useful information on this topic, some of it written before colonialism destroyed or greatly modified aspects of traditional culture. The problem with these works is that they were for the large part written by Europeans with their particular biases and agendas. For this reason, we encourage you to 'read between the lines'.
The texts here are provided for scholarly purposes. They may contain racist characterizations, errors of interpretation, or misrepresentations of traditional culture. For instance, the term 'Kaffir', which is used in many of these texts to refer to the Xhosa (Nelson Mandela's tribe), is now considered derogatory.
This page also has texts and books with alternate views, primarily written by African-Americans, which, in our opinion, also deserve consideration.
Africa is home to a rich religious tradition. Refer to Ancient Egypt, Islam, and Christianity.
South Africa
4 booksThe Bantu
1 book- Myths and Legends of the Bantu Myths and Legends of the BantuThe rich traditions of the Bantu. Most of the books below also have material on the Bantu of West Africa.
West and Central Africa
9 booksThe West African area is important because this is where the majority of slaves departed for the New World. Hence large elements of West African, particularly Yoruba, religion (blended with Catholicism) can be found in religions such as Vodun (also known as Voodoo) (Haiti), Candomblè (Brazil) and Santeria (Carribean). For more information on New World African-derived religions, refer to the The Santeria page at Ontario Consultants for Religious Tolerance.
- Myths of Ífè
- Notes on the Folklore of the FjortStorytelling from the Congo, a key source for West African folklore.
- At the Back of the Black Man's MindReveals a complex system of sacred lands, rivers, trees, and omens among the West Africans.
-
- Fetichism in West Africa
- Hausa FolkloreNigerian folklore from an indigenous storyteller, with a rich Islamic background.
- Woman's Mysteries of a Primitive PeopleA woman ethnographer's unique perspective on a West African tribe.
- The Yoruba Speaking Peoples
- Yoruba Legends
Comparative
1 book- Religion and MythOne of the first comparative studies of African spirituality.
African-American
1 book- Drums and ShadowsCoastal Georgia folklore from the 1930s and connections to African spiritual practices.
Caribbean
1 book- Jamaica Anansi Stories Jamaica Anansi StoriesJamaican folklore, music and riddles, featuring an indominable trickster hero.
Rastafarianism
5 books- The Kebra NagastThe legendary history of Ethiopia.
- The Holy Piby The Holy PibyA classic--and very rare--Afrocentric religious text from the early 20th century, acclaimed by many Rastafarians as a forerunner of their beliefs.
- The Royal Parchment Scroll of Black Supremacy The Royal Parchment Scroll of Black SupremacyA rare proto-Rastafarian text from Jamaica.
- The Promised KeyHowell advanced ideas similar to later Rastafarian beliefs, particularly casting Haile Selassie as the Black Messiah. A heavily edited version of the Royal Parchment Scroll.
- The Wisdom of Rastafari The Wisdom of RastafariA short anthology of quotes from Haile Selassie compiled by a Rastafarian group.
Vodun
4 booksTwo short articles by Lafcadio Hearn about New Orleans Voodoo. Hearn, a New Orleans native, also wrote extensive works about Japan, available in the Shinto section.
Here are two books relating to Haitian Voodoo (Vodun). They were written by an outsider to the religion who was ultimately unable to penetrate its inner mysteries; however both of these books has strengths as historical and ethnographic background on the topic:
- Last of the Voudoos
- New Orleans Superstitions New Orleans Superstitions[1886] Here are two books relating to Haitian Voodoo (Vodun). They were written by an outsider to the religion who was ultimately unable to penetrate its inner mysteries; however both of these books has strengths as historical and ethnographic background on the topic:
- Voodoo and Obeahs Voodoo and ObeahsImportant historical context for Vodun, with extensive quotes from contemporary accounts.
- Psychic Phenomena of Jamaica Psychic Phenomena of JamaicaA study of supernatural activity in Jamaica, including the abusive duppy...
Afrocentric Historians
3 books- The NegroA great introduction to Black history by a noted African-American activist and scholar.
- Wonderful Ethiopians of the Ancient Cushite Empire Wonderful Ethiopians of the Ancient Cushite EmpireA pioneering work of Afrocentric history.
- Stolen LegacyDid the Greeks steal classical philosophy from an Ancient Egyptian mystery tradition?