Santería garments and altars
Subtitle: speaking without a voice
By: Ysamur Flores-Peña and Roberta J. Evanchuk.
Contributors: Evanchuk, Roberta J.
Series: Folk art and artists series
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
Published: 1994
Place of publication: Jackson
Language: eng
Number of pages: 72
Subjects: Santeria vestments.; Santeria altars.
Description: Santeria, also called Lucumi or Orisha Worship by its practitioners, originated in Nigeria. It took shape in Cuba during and after slave trade and reached North America through Afro-Caribbean immigration. As the fastest-growing African-based religion in the United States, Santeria has stimulated many publications, but none prior to this book has noted the special significance of its art and artists.

Here for the first time the focus is upon the artistry of garments and altars that are intrinsic to Santeria. Detailed here is information about their design and creation, the artists who make them, and the importance of aesthetics in the religious celebration.

Every aspect of the craft must be in harmony with the entity being honored in the rites. Color, texture, and design are of singular importance to the religious experience. When all elements are in accord, the worshipers are consecrated both physically and aesthetically and the priest is said to be "speaking without a voice."
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 39-40).