In this companion volume to Alma Gottlieb explores ideology and social practices among the Beng people of Côte d'Ivoire. Employing symbolic and postmodern perspectives, she highlights the dynamically paired notions of identity and difference, symbolized by the kapok tree planted at the center of every Beng village. "This book merits a number of readings. . . . An experiment in ethnography that future projects might well emulate." —Clarke K. Speed, "[An] evocative, rich ethnography. . . . Gottlieb does anthropology a real service." —Misty L. Bastian, "Richly detailed. . . . This book offers a nuanced descriptive analysis which commands authority." —Elizabeth Tonkin, "Exemplary. . . . Gottlieb's observations on identity and difference are not confined to rituals or other special occasions; rather she shows that these principles emerge with equal force during daily social life." —Monni Adams, "[An] excellent study." —John McCall,