Author Professor Inus Daneel grew up in Zimbabwe and has extensively researched the traditional and Christian religions of the Shona people. Daneel records the religio-ecological motivation and endeavour of the African Earthkeeping Movement and its impact on Shona peasant society.

Of special interest are the newly introduced mafukidzanyika (clothing the land) ritual ceremonies as opposed to the traditional rain ritual ceremonies, indicating the innovation and adaptation that has taken place, This volume deals mainly with the traditional religious contribution of the earthkeeping struggle; the second volume describes the Christian counterpart. This book will fascinate academics and the general reader.