Product Description

Angola has been brutalized by the civil war, which only ended in 1992. The war's adverse effect on every facet of Angola's post-independence life is clearly evident in the range of topics covered in this volume. The human cost of the war can be counted in the enormous loss of life and large-scale population displacement and in the continued postwar deaths and serious injuries inflicted by mines. The war also severely stunted economic growth and the development of necessary social services. However, since the end of the war Angola is slowly progressing. Many people have returned to their homes to continue their life. The task of rebuilding has been greatly assisted by humanitarian aid. Readers will learn about the nearly 100 ethnolinguistic groups and their various ways of life. Oyebade shows how religion defines the cultural character of the country. Christianity, the dominant religion, is portrayed as more urban-based, popular among the educated elite and middle class. Indigenous religious practices, still popular particularly in the rural areas, are covered as well. Oyebade celebrates the prolific Portuguese-language literary output and the skilled Angolan artists. Discussion of the traditional foods, ceremonies, music and dance, and more rounds out the coverage.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #670318 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 200 pages

Review
“Aimed at students and general readers, this volume provides a basic understanding of the culture and customs of Angola. In the introduction, Oyebade briefly recounts Angola's history and supplies information on the country's geography, economy, and politics. Subsequent chapters focus on areas such as religion, literature, architecture, leisure activities, gender roles, and music. Supplemental materials include a chronology, glossary, and suggestions for further reading.”–Reference & Research Book News

“[A] much-needed survey perfect for both high school and college-level collections assigning reports on individual African nations. History and culture provide broad analysis on Angola's background and development, setting it apart from other African experiences in a book perfect for in-depth analysis.”–Midwest Book Review - California Bookwatch

About the Author
ADEBAYO O. OYEBADE is Associate Professor of History at Tennessee State University.

Customer Reviews

A book perfect for in-depth analysis.
Joining others in the 'Culture and Customs of Africa' series is a focus on Angola - a much-needed survey perfect for both high school and college-level collections assigning reports on individual African nations. History and culture provide broad analysis and Angola's background and development, setting it apart from other African experiences in a book perfect for in-depth analysis.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch