essay

The innocent sorcerer: coping with evil in two African societies (Kapsiki & Dogon)

religion in africa : experience & expression • 4 • Published In 1994 • Pages: 196-228, 443-483

By: Beek, W. E. A. van.

Abstract
In this article, van Beek discusses Dogon witchcraft and notions of evil and compares them with those of the Kapsiki from northern Cameroon. Dogon personality and self are deeply embedded in the community and kin group. For them evil is an anonymous force, originating from the bush, which precipitates a person's falling-out with the community. Evil is spread through the careless use of words and speaking ill of someone. It is seen as a poison that is ingested orally. Protective and purifying rituals involve chewing special roots and barks, drinking, taking an emetic, and exhibiting polite beahvior in rituals. Attached to this article is a 41-page bibliography on African religion.
Subjects
Information sources listed in other works
Sorcery
General character of religion
Magic
culture
Dogon
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 1999
Field Date
1978-1992
Coverage Date
1978-1992
Coverage Place
Tireli, Bandiagara, Mali
Notes
Walter E. A. van Beek
Includes bibliographical references (p. 443-484)
LCCN
92030302
LCSH
Dogons (African people)