article

Seeing, believing, doing: the Tiv understanding of power

Anthropos • 78 • Published In 1983 • Pages: 459-480

By: Edwards, Adrian Campion.

Abstract

Edwards examines Tiv notions of power as expressed in their religion. According to Edwards, Tiv society is less genealogically and patriarchally structured than as depicted in the literature. Rather he sees in their ideology an underlying ambivalence about authority. This ambivalence is evident in the concept of TSAV, a substance found on the heart of elders that is associated with both leadership and sorcery, the latter an abuse of power. By helping to 'mend the land,' fetishes are the anecdote to sorcery and are under the control of shape-changers, or diviners. Edwards argues that shape-changers along with the benevolent sprites represent the fundamental, positive value the Tiv place in being good, productive farmers, which they regard as the real source of their success.

HRAF PubDate

1998

Region

Africa

Sub Region

Western Africa

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 1996

Field Date

1967-1982

Coverage Date

1906-1982

Coverage Place

Benue State, Nigeria

Notes

Adrian Campion Edwards

Includes bibliographical references (p. 479-460)

LCSH

Tiv (African people)