Book

The African witch: with particular reference to witchcraft beliefs and practices among the Shona of Rhodesia

E. & S. LivingstoneEdinburgh • Published In 1967 • Pages:

By: Gelfand, Michael, Hannan, M..

Abstract
This is the definitive work on Shona witchcraft. After a brief introductory sketch of some of the salient features of Shona ethnography (especially the spirit world), the author turns to the main theme of his work–witchcraft, not only as perceived by the Shona but also from the standpoint of the effects of this belief on the society. Detailed discussions are presented in the text on types of witches, witchcraft as a functional part of everyday living, factors influencing witchcraft accusations, prevalence of witchcraft accusations, procedures, witchcraft as a cause of illness, and the rationale of treatment of cases of witchcraft. There is a chapter on the witch doctor and his place in the spirit world. The source concludes with two appendices containing brief summaries of judicial case histories involving accusations of witchcraft and subsequent court decisions.
Subjects
Sorcery
Magical and mental therapy
Shamans and psychotherapists
Magic
Initiation of judicial proceedings
Trial procedure
Theory of disease
Medical care
Hospitals and clinics
Extramarital sex relations
Animism
Eschatology
Revelation and divination
Burial practices and funerals
culture
Shona
HRAF PubDate
2014
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Southern Africa
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Types
Physician
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle; 1991
Field Date
1960-1964
Coverage Date
1899-1966
Coverage Place
eastern Zimbabwe
Notes
[by] Michael Gelfand ; with a foreword by the Rev. Father M. Hannan, S.J.
Includes index
LCCN
67113298
LCSH
Witchcraft--Zimbabwe
Shona (African people)