Book

A source book on Tiv religion

Human Relations Area Files • New Haven, Conn. • Published In 1969 • Pages: 5 v. (xv, 802 leaves)

By: Bohannan, Paul, Bohannan, Laura.

Abstract

This compendium presents reworked field notes on a number of subjects related to Tiv religion, particularly on witchcraft. It is divided into five volumes, paginated consecutively. The first volume contains data on general religious beliefs, ethno-conceptions about both nature and man, sickness, nutrition and reproduction. The second volume concentrates on some of the key elements of Tiv religion, such as, TSAV (a substance which grows on the heart, inadequately translated as 'witchcraft potential'), MBATSAV (a society of those who have TSAV, or 'men of ability), and SWEM and SAssWOOD (sacred objects and means of controlling the actions of the MBATSAV). The third volume contains material on AKOMBO, a quite involved religious concept which in a very narrow sense means magical emblems and magical forces. The AKOMBO differs from the GREAT AKOMBO (the content of the fourth volume) in that it affects individuals while the GREAT AKOMBO is the matter of social groups with different sets of emblems and sacrifices. The principles of classification of AKOMBO and its components and symbols are framed in the fifth volume. The researcher may find reading pp. 629-630 helpful for understanding the AKOMBO concept. The last chapter contains data on rituals in the life cycle, particularly those grouping around childbirth and funerals.

HRAF PubDate

1998

Region

Africa

Sub Region

Western Africa

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Dubravka Schmalzbauer ; Sigrid Khera ; 1971-1972

Field Date

1949-1953

Coverage Date

1949-1953

Coverage Place

Benue State, Nigeria

Notes

Paul and Laura Bohannan

The subject Sorcery (754) has been used for TSAV and MBATSAV, and Trial Procedure (695), Ritual (788) or Magic (789) for SWEM and SAssWOOD. Sibjects Sacred Objects and Places (778) and Magic (789) have been used as the basic categories for the AKOMBO, and subjects Theory of Disease (753), Sorcery (754), Magic and mental therapy (755), Life and Death (761), Prayers and Sacrifices (782), Ritual (788), and Organized Ceremonials (796) have been used for various aspects of the same.

LCCN

82202859

LCSH

Tiv (African people)