Under the Kapok Tree

In this companion volume to Parallel Worlds, Alma Gottlieb


explores ideology and social practices among the Beng people of Côte


d'Ivoire. Employing symbolic and postmodern perspectives, she highlights


the dynamically paired notions of identity and difference, symbolized by


the kapok tree planted at the center of every Beng village.


"This book merits a number of readings. . . . An experiment in


ethnography that future projects might well emulate." —Clarke K. Speed,

American Anthropologist

"[An] evocative, rich ethnography. . . . Gottlieb does anthropology a


real service." —Misty L. Bastian, American Ethnologist

"Richly detailed. . . . This book offers a nuanced descriptive analysis


which commands authority." —Elizabeth Tonkin, Man

"Exemplary. . . . Gottlieb's observations on identity and difference are


not confined to rituals or other special occasions; rather she shows


that these principles emerge with equal force during daily social life."


—Monni Adams, Journal of African Religion

"[An] excellent study." —John McCall, Journal of Folklore
Research