essay
Spirit possession among the Tonga of Zambia
spirit mediumship and society in africa [by] john beattie ... [et al • London • Published In 1969 • Pages: 69-103
By: Colson, Elizabeth.
Abstract
In this article, the author discusses three different kinds of spirit possession among the Valley (Gwembe) Tonga, which are related to three different domains of community, dance and health. [n]Basangu[/n] possession involves spirits of former mediums or prophets, and are consulted on community issues in public ceremonies. Each [n]basangu[/n] spirit has its own medium and a neighborhood shrine, usually on the grave of the former notable. [n]Masabe[/n] spirits are either animal and, in recent times, foreign spirits that are associated with dances named after them. The third type of spirit possession is associated with ghosts, sorcery, death and illness. The author focuses on the first two types of possession and the changes that have occurred in ceremonies and dances following resettlement due to flooding behind the Kariba Dam.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2014
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Southern Africa
- Document Type
- essay
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard; 2012
- Field Date
- 1956-1957, 1962-1963, 1965
- Coverage Date
- 1956-1965
- Coverage Place
- eastern Southern province, Zambia
- Notes
- Elizabeth Colson
- Includes bibliographical references (p.103)
- LCCN
- 72434243
- LCSH
- Tonga (Zambezi people)