article

The epistemology of sorkotarey: language, metaphor and healing among the Songhay

Ethos8 (2) • Published In 1980 • Pages: 117-131

By: Stoller, Paul.

Abstract
This article attributes the efficacy of Songhai magic to the magicians' understanding of the metaphorical meaning of the words in ritual texts. Such words act as doors to Songhai cosmological and spiritual realms, the true source of magical power. Magicians act as healers, and as protectors of the community from evil forces and sorcery.
Subjects
Sorcery
Cosmology
Theological systems
Revelation and divination
Magicians and diviners
Ethnopsychology
culture
Songhai
HRAF PubDate
2016
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard; 2016
Field Date
1976-1977, 1979-1980
Coverage Date
1970-1979
Coverage Place
Tera and Tillabéri departments, Tillabéri, Niger
Notes
Paul Stoller
Includes bibliographical references (p. 130-131)
LCCN
73643517
LCSH
Songhai (African people)