article

Group aspects of the Nyoro spirit mediumship cult

Rhodes-Livingstone journal30 • 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.
Subjects
Spirits and gods
Revelation and divination
Magicians and diviners
Congregations
culture
Banyoro
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)