book chapter

Priests, spirit mediums, and guerillas in Suriname

transactions : essays in honor of jeremy f. boissevainA,Msterdam • Published In 1994 • Pages: 209-228

By: Thoden van Velzen, H. U. E..

Abstract
This is an article about the rediscovery of Ndyuka possession cults and medicinemen by young, urbanized maroons who joined the rebel army during Suriname's civil war (1986-1989). Traditional medicinemen took care of the wounded in the interior. Also, members of the rebel group found a magic elixer (OBEAH) and fell into a trance. Impressed by the magic and spirits of traditional religion, the army began to employ traditional medicinemen to perform protective rituals. However, this practice backfired on some medicinemen, following disastrous military campaigns. The rebel army also tried to get priests, who controlled important cults which lay at the center of Ndyuka social organization, to mobilize the local population to their cause. However, the priests were circumspect, wishng to protect their power base from outside manipulation.
Subjects
Revolution
Shamans and psychotherapists
Eschatology
Spirits and gods
Magicians and diviners
culture
Ndyuka
HRAF PubDate
1999
Region
South America
Sub Region
Amazon and Orinoco
Document Type
book chapter
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 1997
Field Date
not specified
Coverage Date
1980-1989
Coverage Place
Suriname
Notes
Bonno Thoden van Velzen
Includes bibliographical references (p. 227-228)
LCCN
94227141
LCSH
Djuka people