Witchcraft, oracles, and magic play an integral role among the Azande people, an ethnic group residing in Central Africa. These practices form an important part of their everyday lives, shaping their beliefs, decisions, and actions. The Azande view witchcraft as a powerful force that can influence their well-being, fortune, and misfortune. Within Azande society, witchcraft is believed to be the cause of various misfortunes, illnesses, and other negative events. This belief stems from the concept that certain individuals possess supernatural abilities that can be used to harm others through the manipulation of spiritual forces. These individuals, known as witches, are often feared and considered a threat to the community.
"Surely no need for commentary on this anthropological classic at this late date, but it remains one of the most wonderfully written and useful texts ever."--Misty L. Bastian, Franklin & Marshall College
Most importantly, Witchcraft transformed the anthropology of knowledge by insisting that the supernatural beliefs of primitive societies fulfilled both a social and a moral function. Most importantly, Witchcraft transformed the anthropology of knowledge by insisting that the supernatural beliefs of primitive societies fulfilled both a social and a moral function.
These individuals, known as witches, are often feared and considered a threat to the community. To address the dangers posed by witchcraft, the Azande rely on oracles to determine the guilty party in cases of misfortune or illness. The oracle is a person who is believed to possess the ability to communicate with the spirits and reveal the identity of the witch responsible for a specific problem.
Witchcraft, Oracles And Magic Among The Azande
This is a hardcover copy from 1965. The book has a two stamps: one of the front pastedown, and another on the bottom of the text blook. The book also has light edge wear, slight rubbing, overall fading/browning, and some foxing on the text block. Otherwise, it is crisp, tightly-bound, and (otherwise) unmarked. The dust jacket has minor edge wear, slight rubbing, and faint fading. Otherwise, it is sharp, clean, and adorned with mylar. Seller Inventory # 997538
Title: Witchcraft, Oracles And Magic Among The .
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication Date: 1965
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Good
Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
About this title
Synopsis:This acknowledged masterpiece has been abridged to make it more accessible to students. In her introduction, Eva Gillies presents the case for the relevance of the book to modern anthropologists.
About the Author:The late Edward E. Evans Pritchard was a Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Oxford.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
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"Classic. Most important book written on the subject. Students love it."--Paige West, Winthrop College
The oracle does this by interpreting the movements of objects, such as the flight patterns of termites or the behavior of chicken bones, which are used as divination tools. The Azande place great trust in the accuracy of the oracles' pronouncements and consult them in various situations. Whether it is to identify the guilty party in a dispute or to seek guidance in making important decisions, the Azande believe that the oracle's insight is essential for resolving the issue at hand. The oracles' wisdom is highly valued and respected within the community. In addition to witchcraft and oracles, Azande society also embraces magic as a means of influencing and manipulating the spiritual world. Magic rituals and practices are performed by individuals with specialized knowledge and skills, known as magicians or medicine men. These individuals are believed to have the ability to harness supernatural forces for various purposes, such as healing, protection, and fertility. Magic among the Azande is seen as a practical tool for addressing the challenges and uncertainties of life. It is a way of seeking control over the unpredictable aspects of their existence, providing a sense of power and security. Magic rituals and objects are used to invoke the assistance of spirits and ancestors, seeking their intervention and protection. In conclusion, witchcraft, oracles, and magic are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the Azande people. These practices, driven by a belief in the supernatural, shape their worldview and provide them with a means of understanding and influencing the forces that impact their lives. Witchcraft, oracles, and magic serve as integral components of Azande society, guiding their decisions, resolving conflicts, and seeking spiritual assistance..
Reviews for "Ancient Beliefs and Practices: Witchcraft and Magic Among the Azande"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I found "Witchcraft Oracles and Magic Among the Azande" to be extremely dense and difficult to comprehend. The author uses complex language and fails to provide clear explanations of the concepts and practices he discusses. Additionally, the book does not provide enough real-life examples or case studies to illustrate the Azande culture and their belief in witchcraft. As a result, it was hard for me to stay engaged and I often felt disconnected from the subject matter. Overall, I was disappointed in the lack of accessibility and clarity in this book.
2. David - 1/5 stars - I couldn't finish "Witchcraft Oracles and Magic Among the Azande" as I found it to be incredibly boring and tedious. The author spends too much time discussing irrelevant details and delving into obscure theories, which didn't engage me as a reader. The lack of structure in the book made it difficult to follow, and I often found myself lost in a sea of complex ideas. Furthermore, I felt like the author had a condescending tone towards the Azande culture, which was off-putting. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking an accessible and engaging exploration of witchcraft and magic.
3. Ryan - 2/5 stars - While "Witchcraft Oracles and Magic Among the Azande" covers an intriguing and unique topic, I found the writing style to be convoluted and confusing. The author jumps from one concept to another without providing sufficient explanations, leaving me with more questions than answers. Additionally, the book lacks a clear structure, making it hard to navigate through the information. I also felt that the author's analysis of the Azande culture was biased and subjective, which diminished the credibility of the book. Overall, I struggled to fully grasp the content and was left dissatisfied with the reading experience.