The Azande people, an ethnic group in Central Africa primarily residing in Sudan, Congo, and the Central African Republic, have a rich tradition of divination and fortune-telling practices. Divination plays a vital role in their society as a means of seeking guidance, understanding the causes of misfortune, and predicting future events. This cultural practice involves the belief that hidden forces, often referred to as witchcraft or sorcery, influence human experiences. Central to Azande divination is the belief in an invisible force called 'mangu' or 'ngua,' which can cause illnesses, deaths, crop failures, and other misfortunes. The Azande believe that misfortunes are not random incidents but are caused by witchcraft or sorcery. Divination is employed to identify the specific individuals responsible for inflicting harm and address the situation accordingly.
FORTUNETELLING is dear to our hearts, and there is no doubt that the art of divining is the most persistent and popular of all our non-Christian religious activities. However it is done, divination means getting information about the future, or about things which are otherwise hidden (What is Uncle Joe leaving me in his will?), by some use of oracles and omens; getting word about human affairs from non-human sources. You see a sign, and you know that it is connected directly with something else, just as a drop in the barometer is connected with an approaching storm. You accept the usual fallacies of magic and add one more: that future events are certain rather than merely probable.
The Nandi, a cattle-herding people of East Africa, use few or no devices, but they are forever watching for omens, which they have built up into a tremendous lore. The benge is asked, as carefully as possible, to kill the bird if one answer or view of the case is the correct one or, reversing and restating matters, to spare it if the other side is right.
Divination is employed to identify the specific individuals responsible for inflicting harm and address the situation accordingly. In Azande society, a diviner, known as a 'nganga,' is entrusted with the task of interpreting signs and symbols to uncover the hidden causes of misfortune. The nganga possesses extensive knowledge and skills in reading various divination tools and techniques, such as poison oracles, oracle boards, or the behavior of animals.
Oracles and Omens
At every stage of his development, Man has tried to read the future. In America numerologists, ostrologists, palmists, and mediums still beckon the gullible. A Bantu diviner gets his advance information from bones, and in Borneo the behavior of birds is the best clue to the future. In this article, drawn from his forthcoming book. The Heathens: Primitive Man and His Religions, William Hotvells has collected the more significant omens and portents. He is Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Wisconsin.
Shareby WILLIAM HOWELLS
One of the most famous divination techniques used by the Azande is the poison oracle, or 'benge.' The nganga administers a poisonous substance to a fowl, and depending on how it reacts, the nganga interprets the message. If the fowl dies, it is believed that witchcraft is involved, and further divination is necessary to identify the culprits. Another divination practice among the Azande is the use of oracle boards. The boards are divided into sections, each representing different aspects of life, such as health, marriage, or wealth. The diviner throws small objects onto the board, and the way they land in the different sections is interpreted to provide guidance or predictions. Animals also play a significant role in Azande divination. The behavior of certain animals, such as ants or termites, is observed and interpreted as signs of impending events or personal matters. For example, if a termites' nest collapses, it may be seen as an indication of an upcoming tragedy or conflict. The Azande believe that through divination, they can gain insight into the hidden causes of misfortune and act accordingly to prevent or mitigate its effects. Divination also serves as a means of justice and accountability, as it aims to identify the individuals responsible for harm and seek social or spiritual remedies to restore balance and harmony within the community. In today's world, Azande divination practices continue to hold significance, especially in rural areas where traditional beliefs and customs remain strong. While some Azande may have adopted modern Western practices for certain aspects of their lives, divination continues to be a fundamental part of their cultural identity and belief system, offering guidance, solace, and a way to understand the complex forces at play in their lives. In conclusion, the Azande people have a rich tradition of divination and fortune-telling practices, which serve as a means of seeking guidance, understanding misfortunes, and predicting future events. These practices involve beliefs in witchcraft or sorcery, the use of divination tools such as poison oracles and oracle boards, and the interpretation of signs and behaviors of animals. Divination plays a vital role in maintaining balance and justice within Azande society and continues to hold significance in their cultural identity..
Reviews for "The Magical World of Azande Divination: An Anthropological Perspective"
1. Emma - 2 stars
I found "Divination and fortune telling practices among the azande" to be quite dry and difficult to follow. The author seemed to assume that the reader was already familiar with the subject matter, which made it difficult for someone like me who had little prior knowledge to understand. Additionally, the book seemed to focus too much on the theoretical aspects of divination rather than providing practical examples or explanations. Overall, I did not find this book to be enjoyable or accessible.
2. John - 1 star
"Divination and fortune telling practices among the azande" was a complete waste of time for me. The writing style was convoluted and overly academic, making it very difficult to engage with the material. Furthermore, I was expecting the book to provide insights into the intriguing practices of the Azande people, but instead, it just presented a dry and theoretical approach. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a more practical and engaging exploration of divination and fortune telling.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I was initially excited to learn more about the divination and fortune telling practices of the Azande people, but this book left me disappointed. The author seemed more interested in discussing the anthropological theories surrounding divination, rather than providing concrete examples or descriptions of the actual practices. While I appreciate the academic approach, it made the book feel disconnected and inaccessible. I would have preferred a more balanced approach that combines theory with practical explanations and examples. Overall, this book failed to meet my expectations and left me wanting for more depth and clarity.
4. Alex - 3 stars
"Divination and fortune telling practices among the Azande" was an average read for me. While I appreciate the author's attempt to provide an in-depth exploration of the subject, I found the book to be overly dense and lacking in clarity. The writing style made it difficult for me to fully grasp the concepts being presented, and I often found myself rereading passages to try and understand. Additionally, I felt that the book could have benefited from more real-life examples and anecdotes to help illustrate the concepts being discussed. Overall, I found this book to be an informative but challenging read.