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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Kenisan: Economic and Social Ramifications of the Ghost Cult among the So of Northeast Uganda |
Authors: | Laughlin, Charles D. Laughlin, Elizebeth R. |
Year: | 1972 |
Periodical: | Africa: Journal of the International African Institute |
Volume: | 42 |
Issue: | 1 |
Period: | January |
Pages: | 9-20 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Uganda |
Subjects: | African religions Tepeth Religion and Witchcraft Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) |
External links: | https://www.jstor.org/stable/1159527 https://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pao:&rft_dat=xri:pao:article:4011-1972-042-00-000002 |
Abstract: | The relationship between the living and the ancestors is maintained by the kenisan or the oldest members of the society, who are initiated into the kenisan cult. The kenisan derive their status by virtue of age, but also from their access to the ancestors, on whose benevolence quality of life is dependent. The more important a problem is, for instance rainfall shortage, crop failure, disease and death, the more the kenisan will be involved in a communication with the ancestors, which makes him an important figure in the political organization of the people. This paper surveys briefly some aspects of social organization and economic patterns of the So, describes the cult's two most important ceremonies: initiation and rainmaking, and discusses some precarious economic and political conditions, wherein the So find themselves today. Notes, ills., ref., French summary. |