article

The isangoma: an adaptive agent among the urban Zulu

Anthropological quarterly • 44 (2) • Published In 1971 • Pages: 51-65

By: Du Toit, Brian M..

Abstract

This is the work of a professional anthropologist who worked with a primarily Zulu urban population. Its main focus is to outline the roles and functions of traditional spiritual specialists in modernizing Africa. These various specialists engage in diagnosis and treatment of physical and psychic ailments; but this is only one aspect of their work, which is more generally the practice of helping clients to live in harmony within their spiritual, natural, and social environment. As such, these specialists continue to be important resources to people at all levels of education and are not readily being replaced by specialists in western medicine.

HRAF PubDate

2005

Region

Africa

Sub Region

Southern Africa

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Jan Simpson ; John Beierle ; 1979

Field Date

1969

Coverage Date

1969

Coverage Place

Kwa Mashu urban complex, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Notes

Brian M. Du Toit

Includes bibliographical references

LCCN

32029126

LCSH

Zulu (African people)