An informative journey through the world of the Afro-Cuban religion Palo Kimbisa, as told by a lifelong practitioner and goddaughter of Tata Rodriquez.

Palero Tata Rodriguez is your guide through this exploration of Palo Kimbisa, an Afro-Cuban religion where nothing is as it seems: elements of nature become spirits that speak to the Tata and initiates, clay pots become miniature sacred groves, and a chef becomes a Tata—a counselor, protector, and teacher.

Palo goddaughter Sophia Kelly Shultz experiences and relates Tata Rodriguez’s practices through anecdotes, firsthand accounts, and exquisite pen-and-ink illustrations. Special passages bring life to concepts represented by each Spirit; others highlight important facets of the palero's beliefs and practices. Stories invite anyone, from future initiates to those who simply wish to know more about this religion, to get a feel for the rules and practicalities—and the magic—of Palo.[AuthorName]By Sophia Kelly Shultz and Tata Rodriguez[/AuthorName][AuthorBio]Not quite an itinerant preacher, peripatetic palero Tata Rodriguez moves his family hub as work, housing, or the Spirits dictate. He currently lives in Florida, where, when not working as a chef or with the Spirits (or both), he enjoys fishing and painting.  Definitely an itinerant author and artist, Sophia Kelly Shultz, who is also an award-winning quilter and needleworker, lives in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, with her extremely patient husband, David.[/AuthorBio][NumIllustration]29 b/w illustrations[/NumIllustration][CoAuthor][/CoAuthor][SubTitle]Exploring the Mysterious World of the Afro-Cuban Religion[/SubTitle][ColorPattern]29 b/w illustrations[/ColorPattern]