What stalks Louisiana's nights defies both science and reason... In the heart of America's most mystical state, an ancient evil continues its nightly hunt. The Boo Hag—a supernatural predator capable of shedding its skin like clothing—represents one of the most fascinating and terrifying examples of how African spiritual traditions adapted and survived in the American South. Shapeshifters and Skin Riders: The Boo Hag Tradition reveals the hidden history behind these shape-shifting spirits, tracing their evolution from West African spiritual practices through the horrors of slavery to their modern-day manifestations in Louisiana folklore. Anthropologist David G. Stone combines rigorous academic research with spine-chilling firsthand accounts to explore: Ancient Origins : How Yoruba, Fon, and Bantu spiritual concepts survived the Middle Passage - Cultural Evolution : The transformation of African spirits into distinctly American supernatural entities - Modern Encounters : Contemporary eyewitness testimonies from across Louisiana's parishes - Protective Traditions : Time-tested rituals and remedies still used today - Hidden Connections : The Boo Hag's role within broader Hoodoo and conjure practices This groundbreaking work goes beyond simple folklore collection to examine how marginalized communities preserved their spiritual heritage through supernatural traditions. Stone's meticulous documentation includes never-before-published interviews with elders, historical analysis of plantation records, and exploration of the psychological and cultural factors that keep these beliefs alive. Whether you're drawn to supernatural folklore, African American history, or Louisiana culture, this book offers unprecedented insight into a tradition that has remained hidden in plain sight for over three centuries. Perfect for readers of Zora Neale Hurston, Kathryn Tucker Windham, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of history, culture, and the paranormal. Discover why some spirits never rest—and why some traditions never die.