Book

Witchcraft and sorcery in Ovambo

Finnish Anthropological Society • (17) • Published In 1986 • Pages: 178

By: Hiltunen, Maija.

Abstract

This work on the social functions of Ovambo witchcraft and sorcery explores the thesis that the apparent high intensity of these practices from 1870-1938 was in response to increased human and animal mortality from frequent famines, rinderpest outbreaks, and locust swarms. The practices appear to have declined following the spread of Christianity, which gave converts broadly similar mystical explanations for the causes of natural disasters.

Region

Africa

Sub Region

Southern Africa

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Types

Missionary

Anthropologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Teferi Abate Adem; 2021

Field Date

1958-1966; 1972-1975

Coverage Date

1870-1938

Coverage Place

north-central Namibia

Notes

Maija Hiltunen ; [English translation by Maija Hiltunen and Transmasters, Tampere]

Includes bibliographical references (p. 171-178)

LCCN

87125473

LCSH

Ovambo (African people)--Rites and ceremonies

Ovambo (African people)--Religion

Magic--Namibia--Owambo

Witchcraft--Namibia--Owambo

Owambo (Namibia)--Religion