article
Divination and experience: explorations of a Chagga epistemology
journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute • 12 (2) • Published In 2006 • Pages: 313-330
By: Myhre, Knut Christian.
Abstract
This article argues that anthropological approaches to African divination are characterized by a certain epistemology, which creates specific problems with regard to vernacular truth-claims. Using ethnographic material from the Chagga-speaking people of Kilimanjaro, the article traces the multiple overlapping ramifications that interrelate vernacular concepts, physical objects, and local subjectivities. By thus avoiding reductionist arguments, the article endeavors to demonstrate that careful attention to these complex lateral relationships reveals how local diviners are able 'to see', or 'be shown', the 'truth' pertaining to their clients.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2010
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Eastern Africa
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Anthropologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Teferi Abate Adem; 2010
- Field Date
- 1998-2003
- Coverage Date
- 1998-2003
- Coverage Place
- Chagga, Tanzania
- Notes
- Knut Christian Myhre
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 328-330)
- LCCN
- 95660943
- LCSH
- Chaga (African people)