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Acknowledgments To those who read parts or all of the manuscript, my heartfelt thanks: Elizabeth McAlister, Manuel Vasquéz, Matthew Hull, Erika Büky, and Geneviève Zubrzycki. Important financial support for different stages of the project was provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (2001, 2003), the Center for the Study of Religion at Princeton University (2004), the American Academy of Religion (2000), and the University of Missouri–Columbia (1998, 1999, 2001). I am grateful for the friendship and direction of many Garifuna friends in Honduras and New York. Particularly supportive in Honduras were Herman and Mayha Amaya, Carlos Castillo, Marcelina Fernandez, the late Don Cornelio of Corozal, Carlitos Amaya, Nayo “Mala Polia,” Salomon Anacleto Lino, Herman Alvarez, and Nicasio and Sandia Rivas. In New York, Bartolome Guerreiro was and remains a constant friend, adviser, and teacher. Thanks also to Francisco Yoba Ruiz, Felix Igemeri Miranda, Jorge Coqui Ruiz, Luz Soliz, Marleni Martinez, Mimi and Pa, Yolanda Guillen, Maria Elena Maximo, and Abraham Zumiga. Geneviève Zubrzycki has been my beloved companion throughout. Finally, thank goodness for little Anaïs, who speaks wonders without words: Ma plus belle tortue, you always point the way. xi This page intentionally left blank ...

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