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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The Secret Spirit Cult of the Sor in Karamoja |
Author: | Weatherby, John M. |
Year: | 1988 |
Periodical: | Africa: Journal of the International African Institute |
Volume: | 58 |
Issue: | 2 |
Pages: | 210-229 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Uganda |
Subjects: | ancestor worship Tepeth Religion and Witchcraft Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) |
External links: | https://www.jstor.org/stable/1160662 https://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pao:&rft_dat=xri:pao:article:4011-1988-058-00-000012 |
Abstract: | The mountain community of the Sor, whose territory lies in Karamoja, northeastern Uganda, appears to possess a cult of the spirits of the dead which is unusual, perhaps unique, in that part of Africa. The cult represents a concentration of supernatural power in the hands of a comparatively small and esoteric group of elders which has over a long period of time held together their small acephalous society, some 4,000 people living on three isolated mountains. The almost impenetrable secrecy surrounding the cult has so far made it impossible to witness personally the greater part of the rituals involved. This article decribes what has so far been learned concerning the supernatural power of the initiated, the attitude of the community towards the cult and its implications for rainmaking and the absorption of small groups of outsiders into Sor society. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. in French. |