In this substantial body of work, Joseph J. Williams describes the Hebraic practices, customs, and beliefs, which he found among the people of Jamaica and the Ashanti of West Africa.
First published in 1931 and long out-of-print, today’s reader will find Hebrewisms a valuable resource for understanding the cultural unity of African people.
Joesph J. Williams examines the close relationship between the Jamaican and the Ashanti cultures, the folklore and belief systems. The language and culture of the Ashanti, who many Jamaicans have descended from, is also throughly studied by comparing them to well known and established Hebraic traditions.
William’s findings suggest shocking similarities. And, he challenges the reader by concluding that Hebraic traditions must have swept across “negro Africa” and left its influence “among the various tribes.”
While Williams presents a strong case, his evidence, including hundreds of quoted sources, also builds a strong case for the reverse—that an indigenous, continent-wide belief system among African people stands at the very root of Hebrew culture and Western religion.
Review - "Joseph J Williams compiles many years of research that gives extensive details into the tribal customs of the people of West Africa. What I love and have always loved is the evidence it provides on the Hebrew customs and traditions practiced by many African Tribal Nations".
Published May 20th 2003.
356 pages.
