Azande witchcraft

A Niam-Niam medicine man or shaman, equatorial Africa. Halft Wellcome V0015964

Azande Witchcraft

Azande witchcraft is a belief system practiced by the Azande people, an ethnic group primarily found in the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This system of beliefs is deeply integrated into the daily lives and social structures of the Azande, influencing their understanding of misfortune, illness, and other adverse events.

Beliefs and Practices

The Azande believe that witchcraft, known as mangu, is an inherited substance that resides in the belly of a witch. This substance is thought to be passed down from parent to child of the same sex. Witches may be unaware of their own witchcraft, as it operates unconsciously, causing harm to others through psychic means.

Oracles and Divination

To identify witches and understand the causes of misfortune, the Azande use various forms of divination. The most prominent of these is the poison oracle, or benge. This involves administering poison to a chicken and interpreting its death or survival as a response to questions posed by the diviner. Other oracles include the termite oracle and the rubbing-board oracle.

Social Functions

Azande witchcraft serves several social functions. It provides explanations for unfortunate events, thereby reducing anxiety and uncertainty. It also reinforces social norms and values by identifying and punishing those who deviate from accepted behavior. Accusations of witchcraft can lead to social ostracism or even physical punishment, thus maintaining social cohesion.

Historical Context

The study of Azande witchcraft was significantly advanced by the work of British anthropologist E. E. Evans-Pritchard, who conducted extensive fieldwork among the Azande in the 1920s and 1930s. His seminal work, Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic Among the Azande, remains a cornerstone in the field of anthropology and provides a comprehensive account of Azande beliefs and practices.

Modern Developments

In contemporary times, the belief in witchcraft among the Azande persists, although it has been influenced by external factors such as Christianity, Islam, and modern state governance. These influences have led to changes in the practice and perception of witchcraft, but it remains a vital part of Azande culture.

See Also

• Witchcraft
• Divination
• E. E. Evans-Pritchard
• Central African Republic
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo

Further Reading

• Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic Among the Azande by E. E. Evans-Pritchard