Review by Choice Review
The Afro-Brazilian religion of Umbanda began in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century. Anthropologist Hale (Texas) reports on nearly a decade of research on the religion beginning in 1986. Umbanda is highly syncretic and encompasses religious traditions originating in Africa (Orisa spirits), Asia (reincarnation and karma), and Europe (French spiritualism). Hale skillfully explores the "imagined worlds" created by Umbanda leaders and their followers and situates the religion within the broader context of Brazilian history and culture. The author's focus is local, ethnographic, experiential, and personal. Hale does not attempt to speak for all Umbandists in Rio, addressing instead personal experiences with individual mediums in three unique centers--one European based, one mixed, and one African based. Chapter 7, which contains a sensitive portrayal of animal sacrifice, is outstanding. Hale's artful prose evokes the bodily sensations of Umbanda: its sights, sounds, and smells. A shortcoming is that the author refuses to offer conclusions or a summary of major findings. Nevertheless, in less than 200 pages, Hale provides what is perhaps the most accessible and beautifully crafted introduction to an Afro-Brazilian religion ever published. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. S. D. Glazier University of Nebraska--Lincoln
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
