article

!Kung Bushman religious beliefs

Africa • 32 • Published In 1962 • Pages: 221-252

By: Marshall, Lorna.

Abstract
This paper describes some of the religious beliefs of the !Kung San of the interior bands of the Nyae Nyae region of South West Africa. The article concentrates on the concepts of the gods and the spirits of the dead. The author points out changes in the concept of the Great God by comparing texts of old tales with current beliefs. Also included are a discussion of peoples' relations with the gods (the source of good and evil; supplication, etc.) and a description of the ceremonial curing dance. Comparisons with other San groups are made throughout. Some information is included on the medicine men.
Subjects
Literary texts
Shamans and psychotherapists
Cosmology
Eschatology
Spirits and gods
Organized ceremonial
culture
San
HRAF PubDate
2005
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Southern Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Joan Steffens ; 1963
Field Date
1952-1955
Coverage Date
1952-1955
Coverage Place
Nyae Nyae region, Namibia and Botswana
Notes
Lorna Marshall
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
29010790
LCSH
San (African people)