Recently in African Religion Category

The De Beers Amulet Collection draws from African folklore to create luxury jewelry with a folk narrative sheen. The premise: "Benevolent spirits who lived in the stars that were cast to Earth as diamonds after misbehaving."

Africa being the inspiration behind this collection, befitting the company's African roots, expect rough and polished diamonds set in 18karat white gold and taking the form of the African tribal masks used to worship these spirits ritually. Each amulet symbolizes different optimistic meanings: love, hope and fresh beginnings amongst them.

Via the New York Post:

A human skull that may have been used in a bizarre ritual was found on a Bronx beach flanked by multicolored necklaces and with a jar of mercury embedded inside it, The Post has learned.

Knowledgeable sources say the skull was likely stolen from a grave and used in a Palo Mayombe ritual, which was developed by Central African slaves in Cuba and spread to the United States in the 19th century.

At the center of worship is a cauldron filled with human and animal remains, herbs, spices, cemetery soil and branches, considered sacred because it is believed the gods reside in them.

Freedom of religion--ya gotta love it! Happy Independence Day!