Beads, Body, and Soul: Art & Light in the Yoruba Universe

The sights and sounds of the Yor˜b· cosmos are made manifest through the pervasive use of beads. This spectacular book represents a collaboration between art historian Henry John Drewal and Yor˜b· priest John Mason. From the forests of Africa a thousand years ago to the bustling cities of New York, Havana, and Salvador, today, Yor˜b· religion has used beads to convey the artistic spirit and deep connection to the other world that its practitioners feel. This beautifully illustrated volume traces the history of the beads, their use, and Yor˜b· aesthetics and artistry.