Santeria Garments and Altars: Speaking Without a Voice

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."

The authors of this book have an unusual perspective on their material, for both are folklorists and practitioners of Santeria. Flores-Pena is a priest and a life-long adherent to the religion. Evanchuk is a convert. They live in California.