Diversity of ritual spirit performances among the Baka Pygmies in southeastern Cameroon

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Periodical article

Title:	Diversity of ritual spirit performances among the Baka Pygmies in southeastern Cameroon
Author:	Tsuru, Daisaku
Year:	1998
Periodical:	African Study Monographs: Supplementary Issue
Issue:	25
Pages:	47-84
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Cameroon
Subjects:	magic Pygmies
External link:	http://repository.kulib.kyoto-u.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2433/68392/1/ASM_S_25_47.pdf
Abstract:	Based on data collected from a total of 227 Baka bands or residence groups in Boumba-Ngoko district, East Province, Cameroon, the author describes and categorizes spirit rituals according to the formal aspects of ritual performances, analyses the spatial distribution pattern of spirit rituals and their transmission to other groups, and discusses the social dynamics pertaining to the diversification and standardization of these ritual performances. The variety of Baka spirit performances is maintained by a balance between diversification and standardization, which may reflect the need of the Baka to establish social identity in their transition from a flexible and loosely organized nomadic society to an increasingly more sedentarized way of life. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum.