Fetichism in West Africa; forty years' observation of native customs and superstitions . lled) ;afterwards to prepare the charms necessary either as anti-dotes against evil or to secure good. The noma or fetichspear to be cairied in front of the caravan, with charmssecured to it, was thus prepared. The roots of a sweet herbwere tied around the blade ; then a few bent splinters of woodwere tied on, like the feathers of a shuttle-cock. In the cagethus formed, there were placed a piece of human skin, littlebits of the claws of a lion, leopard, and so forth, with food,beer, and medical roots; thus
Fetichism in West Africa; forty years' observation of native customs and superstitions . lled) ;afterwards to prepare the charms necessary either as anti-dotes against evil or to secure good. The noma or fetichspear to be cairied in front of the caravan, with charmssecured to it, was thus prepared. The roots of a sweet herbwere tied around the blade ; then a few bent splinters of woodwere tied on, like the feathers of a shuttle-cock. In the cagethus formed, there were placed a piece of human skin, littlebits of the claws of a lion, leopard, and so forth, with food,beer, and medical roots; thus securing, respectively, powerover their enemies, safety from the paws of fierce animals,food and drink, and finally health. A cloth was sewn overall, and finally the king spat on it and blessed it. After allthese performances they set out with light hearts, each manmarked with sacred chalk. Before starting on a journey a man will spend perhaps afortnight in preparing charms to overcome evils by the wayand to enable him to destroy his enemies. If he is a trader, 1 Garenganze, p.
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, bookpublishernewyo, bookyear1904
