120 pages, 166 photos and 3 maps.



The book is divided into two parts. In the first part different aspects of life in Togo and Benin are shown. We see traditional mudbrick villages, but also life on the waterfront. Often the dwelling places have got something to do with the history of the people. A further aspect of history, one that is rather unpleasant, can be seen in Ouidah, Benin, where the slave route ended and from where people were shipped as slaves to America. But in the book there are also pictures of markets and crafts as well as children with pretty hairstyles. Also Christian belief in voodoo countries is shown.



The second half of the book deals with voodoo. Different aspects of this religion are shown in a close-up view. Several temples with their gods, goddesses, sacred snakes and devotees play an important part here. And there are priests and their fetishes who let us take part in their voodoo ceremonies. But we also go to a dangerous and bloody shrine, where you can cast a spell on your enemies. Further there are several photos of a trance dance which a voodoo priest arranged to ensure his magical powers.