This work is a comprehensive study of Yoruba religious beliefs and sacrificial rites. The first part surveys previous works on Yoruba religion and outlines a typology of beliefs, while the second part offers an interpretation of religious rites as elements of the sacrificial system.

The study reflects Dr. Awolalu's intimate knowledge of Yoruba religion and culture and affords valuable mater-ial for other approaches to religion comparative, scien-tific and theological. It also provides a point of refer-ence for future studies of socio-religious change and the basis of an answer to the question: what is the future of Yoruba religion?

The -Reverand Dr. Joseph Omosade Awolalu is a Yoruba who has been on the teaching staff of the Department of Religious Studies of the University of Ibadan for four-teen years. He is now Senior Lecturer and Acting Head of Department.