city of women, The
Book Description
In the vibrant spiritual landscape of 1940s Brazil, anthropologist Ruth Landes discovered a remarkable religious tradition that would challenge everything she thought she knew about culture and spirituality. The City of Women offers readers an intimate journey into the world of candomble, a powerful Afro-Brazilian faith centered around women's spiritual leadership and divine possession.
Rather than imposing academic theories, Landes allowed herself to be transformed by what she witnessed. She entered the homes of priestesses and participated in temple ceremonies, documenting a living tradition born from the resilience of West African slaves who recreated their sacred practices in colonial Brazil. Through her eyes, readers encounter the remarkable women who serve as spiritual guides in this tradition, where feminine wisdom and divine connection take center stage.
This groundbreaking work reveals how spirituality can flourish when rooted in authentic cultural expression rather than imposed structures. Landes weaves together observations about gender, race, and sexuality within religious practice, creating a rich tapestry that speaks to anyone interested in understanding how marginalized communities preserve and transform their spiritual heritage.
Originally dismissed by the academic establishment, this book has emerged as an essential text for understanding both Brazilian spirituality and the power of women-centered religious traditions. For modern spiritual seekers, it offers profound insights into how authentic spiritual practice can emerge from the intersection of cultural identity, personal experience, and divine connection.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 251 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Folklore, Negro
- ✓ Explore Religion
- ✓ Explore Mulher E Feminismo
- ✓ Explore Brazil, religion
- ✓ Explore Candomble (cult)
- ✓ Explore Afroamerikanischer Synkretismus
- ✓ Explore Antropologia Cult Social
- ✓ Explore Blacks
