Examines the problems faced by researchers in the analysis of systems of belief in African societies. This collection includes thirteen essays that stresses a broadly analytic approach that relates the study of African systems of thought to other aspects of culture and social organization in African societies.

In contrast to the prevailing emphasis on the analysis of partial systems of thought, such as witchcraft beliefs or spirit possesion, the present collection of thirteen original essays stresses a more broadly analytic approach that relates the study of African systems of thought to other aspects of culture and social organization in African societies.