article
On disciples and magicians: the diversification of divinity among the Nuer during the colonial era
Journal of religion in Africa • 22 (1) • Published In 1992 • Pages: 2-22
By: Johnson, Douglas H. (Douglas Hamilton).
Abstract
Johson recounts the spread of magic and magicians during the colonial era (1929-1955), which he attributes to the destruction of the prophets, who helped to regulate spirits and gods. The prophets despised magicians and kept them under check. By killing the prophets the British opened a Pandora's Box of spirits and fetishes. This religious fragmentation mirrored the political fragmentation of the Nuer, which the British encouraged as part of their effort to control them. According to Johnson, prophets played a key role in Nuer religious and political life.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2002
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Eastern Africa
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 2000
- Field Date
- 1975-1991
- Coverage Date
- 1906-1953
- Coverage Place
- Sobat and Jonglei Provinces, Sudan
- Notes
- By Douglas H. Johnson
- Includes bibliographical references
- LCCN
- sf 80000812
- LCSH
- Nuer (African people)