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Bantu Divination: Voices in Space
and Pattern
The
Bantu possess
many forms of divination. The primary form of divination, or the most
respected one is often the voice of spirits who present themselves
through possession. However, many mechanical forms exist and most
combine spirit possession, in some form with a mechanical system.
There are simple systems which rely on simply yes/no responses.
However, the most popular consist of a set of objects each with their
own significance, which construct their interpretations in relation
with the other objects which fall in proximity to them. Such systems
include the Pendula bones of South Africa, the Hakata of the Shona,
Makakata of Zambia, and the most dramatic and complex of these systems,
the Ngombo ya Cisuka of the Chokwe and its variations among neighboring
tribes in Zambia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Ngombo ya Cisuka consists of a basket which contains
between 40 and as many as 200 pieces, some sculpted, some natural items
such as bird feet, bones, shells, and insects. Interpretations vary,
but the major objects are familiar to most adults in the societies
where these are found, making this the most respected divination form,
practiced by professionals and requiring years to master.
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Los
Bantúes tienen muchos metodos de adivinación. Lo
primario es casi siempre la posesión de espiritos, que es
muy respetoso. Pero, tienen tambien muchos formas mecanicos, que a
veces
han combinado con la posesión.
Esos
incluyen los "heusos" o Mabonzu de Sur
Africa, la hakata de los Shona, makakata en Zambia y los más
complejo "Ngombo ya Cisuka de los Chokwe y sus variaciónes
entre sus vecions en Zambia, Angola y la Republica Democratica de
Congo. El Ngombo tiene hasta que 200 pedasos, y como la sistema
más respetosa, es praticada por profesionales. Se puede
tomat años para aprenderlo.
© 2006 by Eoghan C. Ballard,
Ph.D. Not
intended for reproduction in total or in part. Short excerpts may be
quoted only with appropriate attribution after receiving written
permission from the owner of this site.
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