Under the Kapok Tree

In this companion volume to Parallel Worlds, Alma Gottliebexplores ideology and social practices among the Beng people of Coted'Ivoire. Employing symbolic and postmodern perspectives, she highlightsthe dynamically paired notions of identity and difference, symbolized bythe kapok tree planted at the center of every Beng village.'This book merits a number of readings. . . . An experiment inethnography that future projects might well emulate.' Clarke K. Speed,American Anthropologist'[An] evocative, rich ethnography. . . . Gottlieb does anthropology areal service.' Misty L. Bastian, American Ethnologist'Richly detailed. . . . This book offers a nuanced descriptive analysiswhich commands authority.' Elizabeth Tonkin, Man'Exemplary. . . . Gottlieb's observations on identity and difference arenot confined to rituals or other special occasions; rather she showsthat these principles emerge with equal force during daily social life.' Monni Adams, Journal of African Religion'[An] excellent study.' John McCall, Journal of FolkloreResearch