Sorcery Totem and Jihad in African Philosophy

In this significant new work in African philosophy Christopher Wise explores deconstruction's historical indebtedness to Egypto-African civilization and its relevance in Islamicate Africa today. He does so by comparing deconstructive and African thought on the spoken utterance nothingness conjuration the oath or vow occult sorcery blood election violence circumcision totemic inscription practices animal metamorphosis and sacrifice the Abrahamic fratricide and jihad. Situated against the backdrop of the Ansar Dine's recent jihad in Northern Mali <i>Sorcery Totem and Jihad in African Philosophy</i> examines the root causes of the conflict and offers insight into the Sahel's ancient complex and vibrant civilization. This book also demonstrates the relevance of deconstructive thought in the African setting especially the writing of the Franco-Algerian philosopher Jacques Derrida.