African-Atlantic Cultures and the South Carolina Lowcountry

Examines perceptions of the natural world in ideas and practices of African-descended communities in South Carolina from the colonial period to the twentieth century.

Ras Michael Brown (Author)

9781107024090, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 27 August 2012

317 pages, 8 b/w illus. 3 maps 11 tables
23.4 x 16.4 x 2.9 cm, 0.59 kg

'This important book will be immediately useful to anyone interested in African American cultural and religious history.' Jason R. Young, Journal of American History

African-Atlantic Cultures and the South Carolina Lowcountry examines perceptions of the natural world revealed by the religious ideas and practices of African-descended communities in South Carolina from the colonial period into the twentieth century. Focusing on Kongo nature spirits known as the simbi, Ras Michael Brown describes the essential role religion played in key historical processes, such as establishing new communities and incorporating American forms of Christianity into an African-based spirituality. This book illuminates how people of African descent engaged the spiritual landscape of the Lowcountry through their subsistence practices, religious experiences and political discourse.

1. Place, culture, and power
2. Land of the living
3. African spirits of the land and water
4. African landscapes of the Lowcountry
5. Spiritual guardians in the wilderness
6. Mermaid histories and power.

Subject Areas: Social impact of environmental issues [RNT], Social & cultural history [HBTB], History of the Americas [HBJK], History [HB]