Contemporary West African culture harbors rich and meaningful spiritual traditions. Yet, there are few written records of West Africa?s major beliefs, rituals, and ceremonies. The Way of the Elders?co-authored by a West African native raised in the Mande tradition?offers rare and authentic insight into the spirituality of West Africa, and particularly the Mande culture. This spiritual guidebook explains fundamental beliefs, such as reverence for the One Spirit, that permeate tribal life. Offerings, charms, herbal healing, shamans and their functions, the importance of wildlife, and the four elements of nature are discussed in detail. The second half of the book is devoted to sacred living and focuses on village life, sacred music and dance, pregnancy, birth, childhood initiation, marriage, death, and funerals. ÓThe authors have written a pleasantly illuminating volume on West African religious practices, especially those of the Mande culture. Highly recommended.Ô Library Journal "A must read for anyone interested in African spirituality." Prediction Magazine, UK ÓHere's a refreshing changeÅ the core of this tradition resonates with other ancient spiritual systemsÅbut there are plenty of fascinating details throughout that make it distinctly African.Ô Pilgrims UK ÓAdama & Naomi Doumbia's graceful writing captures the spiritual beliefs of West Africa with fluency and understanding, and offers insights into both the sacred and mundaneÅ This is a highly enlightening and beautifully written book.Ô Round Table Reviews: Beverly Forehand ÓÅThe Way of the Elders is a spiritual guidebook which embodies rich, time-honored and meaningful traditions from West African cultureÅthis book is filled with spirituality that creates warmth within oneÒs spirit and will quite probably cause you to begin noting the sacred interconnectedness of all things to a greater degree.Ô The Beltane Papers: Lone Eagle Eye ÓÅa rich book in its simplicity and covers a balanced range of topicsÅRecommended reading for everyone interested in spirituality, not only West African spirituality.Ô The Cauldron Brasil: 6th Issue