Yoruba language, culture, and art

The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful : Discourse About Values in Yoruba Culture
by Barry Hallen

After having read Mr. Hallen's other work (Knowledge and Belief of Witchcraft) I was interested to read his newest work. I had been eagerly awaiting the release for months and it was worth the wait!
Mr. Hallen expertly presents the values of the Yoruba culture as they relate to beauty and goodness. As a student and priest of Yoruba religious system, this book is a valuable addition to my library - an important step forward in my studies and the studies of anyone interested in this profound and sophisticated culture.
I think this book is much better than his former volume and would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who has an interest in learning more about the values and perspectives of the Yoruba people.

  Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria    
William Russell Bascom

The Yoruba, with other West African groups, represent a high level of cultural achievement in sub-Saharan Africa and are one of the most interesting and important peoples of the continent. The author offers detailed descriptions of the elaborate economic, political, and social structures of the Yoruba, their complex set of religious beliefs, and their world-famous art forms

 

  "Yoruba Without Tears"
(Basic Lessons in Yoruba Language)" by Olatunde M. Soroye;
Ara Ifa Publishing


This is a very simple book, created to assist those interested in learning to speak the Yoruba language. The words are marked with true Yoruba fonts which will enable one to read and pronounce the proper tones

Santeria Garments and Altars
Speaking Without a Voice (Folk Art & Artists Series)

Reviewer: A reader from Connecticut, USA
From the point of view of a new Olorisa, (initiated Priestess) Santeria Garments and Alters was like a breath of fresh air in an environment which usually does little to support Traditional religious practises. The photographs are honouring to our Orisas and beautifully done. The authors tell the story of the creation of the works of art designed to pay homage to the Orisas in a way in which both the aleyo (non-initiated) and the experienced Olorisa may understand. Santeria Garments and Alters is a "must-have" for anyone who must build alters or other sacred spaces as well as for those who seek to learn about the artistic nature of our rich spiritual Tradition. Iyawo Omi Saide

1000+(African) Òrìsà Yorùbá Names

Never before has a book of this magnitude been written by a native Yoruba author in such a clear, concise and easy-to-read language. The book is well researched and documented. Chief FAMA succinctly describes both the history and cultural aspects of naming a baby with particular emphasis on Orisa names. She shares a candid view of the inner workings of the typical traditional Yoruba family and the various situations which dictates what name/s a child should bear.

  "Orin Orisa - Songs for selected Heads"
by John Mason;
Yoruba Theologican Archministry
This is a huge, impressive book that provides a wealth of knowledge most of which you can't find in print in English anywhere else. It has background on Yoruba religion and Santeria, bata drumming in Cuba and America, and translations of many many songs. Also photos, etc. Some people will argue with some of the translations, but nobody can say this book doesn't add enormously to what's published in English on what has been an esoteric & oral tradition.

Four New World Yoruba Rituals/Book and Cassette
by John Mason
This book and its accompanying cassette are a great manual for the olorisha. The book helps cue you in thos critical parts of a ceremony where you forget what step comes next, and the cassette is a great resource for initiates who have distant Godparents. He teaches you all of the songs that accompany the ebo eje and the egun ceremonies, and best of all, he teaches you a very concise and clear way to throw coco. I recommend this book to any orisha priest or priestess as a great addition to their library.

The Music of Santeria : Traditional Rhythms of the Bata Drums (Performance in World Music Series, No. 5)
by John Amira, Steven Cornelius

Reviewer: A reader from Illinois USA
The book did what I was looking for to do in regard to the bata drumming styles and rhythms. This is the real timimg of the Yoruba-Nigerian and Cuban expressions of the bata drums. I hope it would had the same effect on you as it did to me. Even if you are not a musician or just love community drumming the bata rhythms are the original trive toques(Spanish)of the Afro-Caribean Cuban Santeros and the Latinos Musicians that used them in Salsa Music of today

Gelede : Art and Female Power Among the Yoruba