Alma Gottlieb

The Leonard Lopate Show | May 10, 2010
When a new baby arrives among the Beng people of West Africa, they see it not as being born, but as being reincarnated after a rich life in a previous world. Alma Gottlieb’s new book is The Afterlife is Where We Come From: The Culture of Infancy in West Africa. Gottlieb is an anthropologist at the University of Illinois.

» Read an excerpt of Gottlieb's book in the Reading Room
» View color photographs from the book The Afterlife Is Where We Come From
» More on the book

Music: Pieces of Africa performed by Kronos Quartet

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Watch: Test your news knowledge with Brian Lehrer

Brian Lehrer leads special guests in a multi-round quiz of news oddities.
WNYC |

Canada’s Plans for Donald Trump. Plus, the Battle Over California’s Wealth Tax

The Canadian politician Chrystia Freeland on the breakup of a once happy alliance. Plus, the staff writer Nicholas Lemann on a bellwether progressive issue.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

ICE Agent Shoots Man in Marble Hill

The Brian Lehrer Show |

Mahershala Ali as a Hitman and Caring Father; Lizzy McAlpine Performs Live from 'Angel'

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE