Santería Aesthetics in Contemporary Cuba – George Brandon – 1997, University of Alabama Press
What the Book Explores
George Brandon’s Santería Aesthetics in Contemporary Cuba delves into the intricate relationship between the Santería religion (also known as Lucumí) and the artistic expressions of Cuba. It moves beyond a purely theological examination of Santería, instead focusing on how its cosmology, mythology, and ritual practices manifest in visual arts, music, dance, and literature. The book examines the aesthetic principles inherent within the religious system—principles of balance, symmetry, color symbolism, and ancestral veneration—and traces their influence on Cuban artistic production. Brandon meticulously documents the ways in which Santería’s Orishas (deities) are represented and invoked through artistic mediums, revealing a profound dialogue between faith and creativity.
Historical / Cultural Context
This work emerged from a period of increasing scholarly attention to Afro-Cuban religions in the latter half of the 20th century. Following the Cuban Revolution, there was a shift in cultural attitudes, allowing for greater openness in discussing and researching Santería, which had previously been practiced more discreetly due to colonial-era suppression and social stigma. Brandon’s research, conducted primarily in the 1980s and early 1990s, captures a pivotal moment in Cuban cultural history, reflecting the growing recognition of Santería’s significance as a vital force shaping national identity. The book also responds to earlier, often outsider, interpretations of Santería, offering an insider’s perspective informed by extensive fieldwork and engagement with practitioners. The exploration of aesthetics is key as it moves beyond simply describing belief to understanding how belief is embodied and communicated.
Who This Book Is For
Santería Aesthetics in Contemporary Cuba is primarily aimed at academic audiences—students and scholars in fields such as religious studies, art history, anthropology, Latin American studies, and African diaspora studies. However, it is also accessible to informed general readers with a strong interest in Cuban culture, Afro-Caribbean religions, or the intersection of religion and art. The book assumes some familiarity with basic religious terminology but provides sufficient context for newcomers to grasp the core concepts of Santería. It’s particularly valuable for those seeking a nuanced understanding of the religion’s cultural impact and artistic manifestations.
Further Reading
- Oshun: The Divine Feminine by Miguel Ramón Fernández: Explores the complex symbolism associated with the Orisha Oshun.
- Religion and the Arts in Cuba edited by Margarite Fernández Olmos and Lizabeth Paravisini-Gebert: A broader collection of essays examining the relationship between religion and various art forms in Cuba.
- Lucumí: The Belief System of Santería by Joseph M. Murphy: A comprehensive overview of the theological and ritual aspects of Santería.
Disclaimer.
Oraclepedia is an independent educational and cultural project. The material presented explores myths, belief systems, symbolic traditions, and aspects of human perception from historical, cultural, and psychological perspectives.
Content is provided for informational and reflective purposes only and does not promote specific beliefs, spiritual practices, or ideological positions. Interpretations presented reflect scholarly, cultural, or symbolic analysis rather than factual claims about the natural world.