article

Group aspects of the Nyoro spirit mediumship cult

Rhodes-Livingstone journal • 30 • Published In 1961 • Pages: 11-38

By: Beattie, John.

Abstract

Beattie examines a spirit possession cult, which he regards as the traditional religion of Bunyoro. The cult is based on a pantheon of beneficial spirits, who are the ancestors of a spiritually powerful race of people (CWEZI) that ruled the country in an early dynasty. The Cwezi mysteriously disappeared after a few generations, however, they left behind a cult through which to tap their genius. Each of the nineteen Cwezi spirits has a unique personality and competence, in regard to such concerns as twins, household affairs, lightening, journeys, rain, and herds. Clans are associated with one or another of the spirits, although the original Nyoro group cult was based on the household, promoting its health, prosperity, and fertility. Beattie discusses recruitment, initiation, and training of diviners, and sTances. He also discusses a class of foreign 'black' spirits, which have emerged in the colonial period.

HRAF PubDate

2003

Region

Africa

Sub Region

Eastern Africa

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 2002

Field Date

1951-1955

Coverage Date

1951-1955

Coverage Place

Western Province, Uganda

Notes

by John Beattie

Includes bibliographical references (p. 38)

LCCN

53033358

LCSH

Nyoro (African people)