Ifa Divination: Communication Between Gods and Men in West Africa

by William Russell Bascom

Book Overview

"The sacred texts of Ifa, repository of the accumulated wisdom of countless generations of Yoruba people, are an invaluable source not only for all students of African oral literature and Yoruba civilization, but also for future generations interested in the continuing vitality of Ifa divination and a Yoruba way of life and thought." --Henry Drewal

This landmark study of Ifa, the most important and elaborate system of divination of the Yoruba...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0253206383
• ISBN13: 9780253206381
• Release Date: March 1991
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Length: 608 Pages
• Weight: 2.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 7.0" x 10.0"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Ifa Divination: Communication Between Gods and Men in West Africa

It is a indispensable adquisition for any babalawo or Ifá religion lover. Bascom has made a deep investigation about rules, ethic, procedures and full content of Ifa Divination giving a solid base to all who needs to reach a advanced knowledge of sacred yoruba culture. Awósanmí

Bascom on the Subject of Women Ifa Diviners...

Since this area is on reviews for the excellent tomb on Ifa by Dr. William Bascom, it is fitting that we might look into what he said regarding the subject. William Bascom, the foremost academic authority on Ifa up until the time of his death, also states "only men can become babalawo" and never encountered a single female Ifa priestess acting as a diviner during any of his extensive field studies in the cities of Ife, Igana, Meko, Oyo, Ilesa, Abeokuta, Osogbo, Sagamu, Ilara, Ondo, Ijebu Ode or Ekiti. When people have spent the 14 years of in depth research in Nigeria that Bascom did, THEN they can laugh. Not two weeks or two months which is the average for most of these self-proclaimed 'experts'.

A must read for any Ifa devotee

Awo bascom has left his mark here at IKOLE-AYE (earth)with this systematic approach so simple that any non-practitioner of the Ifa religion could understand.It at the same time contains detailed information that any Awo or Babalawo would not part.Any purchaser would greatly get their money's worth.

Bascom never ceases to amaze me !!!!

Bascom is truly one of the all time best authors and anthropologists of the Yoruba religion and culture. He has brought out many kept secrets, legends and patakis of this religion out to the new world so as to not loose this wonderful knowledge with watered down versions of same. This book is a wonderful insight to the Yoruba religion and culture for students and practitioners alike. IFA Divination is a must have to any avid collector, practitioner, or student of African Religion, Yoruba culture or Ifa practice in the Western world.Mo dupe William Bascom Once again Bascom leaves us in awe !

IFA Divination

This is the most objective and complete IFA Divination book I have yet read commercially. For those westeners who practice or follow IFA, this book is a most-read. I presents researched details about the IFA religion, its methodology, religious and cultural background, and IFA wisdom.