Witchcraft in post-colonial Africa
Mavhungu, Khaukanani.
Witchcraft in post-colonial Africa beliefs, techniques and containment strategies / [electronic resource] : Khaukanani Mavhungu - Bamenda [Cameroon] : [Oxford, Eng.] : Langaa Research & Publishing CIG ; Distributed in N. America by African Books Collective, c2012 - 1 online resource (1 electronic text (xii, 132 p.) :) maps, digital file.
Issued as part of UPCC book collections on Project MUSE.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 121-132).
Acknowledgements -- Foreword / by John Sharp -- Preface -- Witchcraft discourse in post-colonial Africa -- Witches of Venda and Kom -- Containment of witchcraft at family and community levels -- Explaining witchcraft violence in Venda, Limpopo Province -- Policy options for post-colonial South Africa -- Bibliography.
This is a comparative ethnographic study of witchcraft and associated violence between the kingdoms of Kom and Venda in Cameroon and South Africa respectively. The book shows why despite its prevalence in both societies, witchcraft does not lead to open violence in Kom, while such large-scale violence is commonplace in Venda. It reveals that this difference can be explained by factors such as the variations in local ideas on witches, differences in the role of traditional authorities, and various state interventions on witchcraft matters. The book demonstrates, through a rich collection of detailed cases, that contrary to anthropological theory that views witchcraft as a mechanism for the expression and resolution of social tensions and conflicts, witchcraft may at times become a disturbance of amicable social relations. Witchcraft accusations may occur in a context where strained social relations have not preceded them. The knowledge and experience that people have about witchcraft is sufficient to trigger an accusation and a violent reaction. Different forms of witchcraft account for variations in witchcraft attributions and accusations. This comparison provides a valuable contribution to ongoing witchcraft policy discourse amid widespread citizen anxiety over witchcraft, and the increasing call on the post-colonial state to intervene and protect its citizens against occult aggression.
9789956728329
Witchcraft--South Africa--Venda.
Witchcraft--Cameroon.
Electronic books.
Electronic books.
BF1584.C17 / M388 2012
133.4/3096711
Witchcraft in post-colonial Africa beliefs, techniques and containment strategies / [electronic resource] : Khaukanani Mavhungu - Bamenda [Cameroon] : [Oxford, Eng.] : Langaa Research & Publishing CIG ; Distributed in N. America by African Books Collective, c2012 - 1 online resource (1 electronic text (xii, 132 p.) :) maps, digital file.
Issued as part of UPCC book collections on Project MUSE.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 121-132).
Acknowledgements -- Foreword / by John Sharp -- Preface -- Witchcraft discourse in post-colonial Africa -- Witches of Venda and Kom -- Containment of witchcraft at family and community levels -- Explaining witchcraft violence in Venda, Limpopo Province -- Policy options for post-colonial South Africa -- Bibliography.
This is a comparative ethnographic study of witchcraft and associated violence between the kingdoms of Kom and Venda in Cameroon and South Africa respectively. The book shows why despite its prevalence in both societies, witchcraft does not lead to open violence in Kom, while such large-scale violence is commonplace in Venda. It reveals that this difference can be explained by factors such as the variations in local ideas on witches, differences in the role of traditional authorities, and various state interventions on witchcraft matters. The book demonstrates, through a rich collection of detailed cases, that contrary to anthropological theory that views witchcraft as a mechanism for the expression and resolution of social tensions and conflicts, witchcraft may at times become a disturbance of amicable social relations. Witchcraft accusations may occur in a context where strained social relations have not preceded them. The knowledge and experience that people have about witchcraft is sufficient to trigger an accusation and a violent reaction. Different forms of witchcraft account for variations in witchcraft attributions and accusations. This comparison provides a valuable contribution to ongoing witchcraft policy discourse amid widespread citizen anxiety over witchcraft, and the increasing call on the post-colonial state to intervene and protect its citizens against occult aggression.
9789956728329
Witchcraft--South Africa--Venda.
Witchcraft--Cameroon.
Electronic books.
Electronic books.
BF1584.C17 / M388 2012
133.4/3096711