Bantu Beliefs and Magic - With Particular Reference to Kikuyu Kamba Tribes of Kenya Colony;

First published in 1922, the author of this book was for many years a Provincial Commissioner of what was then the Kenya Colony whose main objects were to place on record the results of investigations made among the native tribes in British East Africa, particularly among the Kikuyu and Kamba people, and to endeavour from a study of their ceremonial with regard to sacrifice and taboo, to obtain a better insight into the principles which underlie the outward forms and ceremonies of their ritual.

List of contents

Part I. Natural Religion. 1. Spirit Beliefs. 2. Sacrifice. 3. Sacred Stones or Village Shrines. 4. The Firstfruits of Harvest and Planting Ceremonial. 5. Circumcision Ceremonial. 6. Death and Burial Ceremonial. 7. The Curse and its Manifestations. 8. Superstitions Regarding Children and Women. Part II. Magic. 1. The Guild of Smiths in Kikuyu and Ukamba. 2. The Evil Eye. 4. Kikuyu Magic and Magicians. 4. Miscellaneous Magical Practices. Part III. Miscellaneous. 1. The Constitution and Working of Councils. 2. Laws of Compensation for Murder. 3. Ceremonial Oaths. 4. War and Peace. 5. Miscellaneous Customs and Beliefs. 6. Legends. 7. Dances. 8. Women as Factor in Tribal Organisation. 9. Some General Remarks. 10. East Africa After the War. Part IV. Quo Vadis. 1. Aspects of the Problem. 2. Summary.

About the author

C. W. Hobey

Product details

• Authors: C W Hobley, C. W. Hobley
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 19.02.2021
• EAN: 9781138391864
• ISBN: 978-1-138-39186-4
• No. of pages: 402
• Series: Routledge Revivals
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology; Social sciences, law, business > Ethnology > Ethnology; Anthropology, Social & cultural history, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural & Social, Kenya, Social and cultural history, Tribal religions, Indigenous, ethnic and folk religions and spiritual beliefs, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Cultural & Ethnic Studies / African Studies