Obeah, Race and Racism : Caribbean Witchcraft in the English Imagination / Eugenia O'Neal.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

O'Neal, Eugenia, 1965- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Obeah (Cult)--Caribbean Area.

Obeah (Cult).

Witchcraft--Caribbean Area--History.

Witchcraft.

Witchcraft in literature.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (480 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Kingston, Jamaica : The University of the West Indies Press, [2020]

Summary:

This book explores the complex history and cultural significance of Obeah, a set of spiritual and magical practices that emerged among African communities in the Caribbean. The author, Eugenia O’Neal, examines the historical roots of Obeah, tracing its origins to West African spiritual traditions, particularly from the Ashanti and Fanti people. The book delves into the racialized perceptions and misconceptions of African religious practices by European explorers and colonizers, which contributed to the development of racist ideologies. O’Neal highlights the resilience of African cultural beliefs in the face of European attempts to suppress them, emphasizing Obeah's role in resistance and empowerment among enslaved Africans. The intended audience includes scholars and readers interested in Caribbean history, African diaspora studies, and the intersections of race, religion, and culture. Generated by AI.

Contents:

Intro

Cover Page

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Contents

Introduction

1. Strange Encounters: Christian Captains and African Fetish Masters

2. The Black Thread of Mischief Crosses the Atlantic: Egyptian Aub or Ashantee Obayifo

3. "Prophet, Priest and King of His District": The Obeah Man in His Society

4. Challenging Order and Inspiring Resistance

5. Obeah, Race and Racism

6. The Early Literary Response

7. The Case of Three-Finger'd Jack

8. Credulous Blacks and Faithful Mulattoes

9. Black Sorceresses and Mulatto Vampires

10. Fictional Adventurers and Real-Life Travellers: Obeah in Boys' Papers and Travel Narratives

Conclusion

Selected Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Part of the metadata in this record was created by AI, based on the text of the resource.

Description based on print version record.

OCLC:

1409030799