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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Weapons of Zion
Author:Kiernan, James P.
Year:1979
Periodical:Journal of Religion in Africa
Volume:10
Issue:1
Pages:13-21
Language:English
Geographic terms:South Africa
Africa
Subjects:Zulu
African Independent Churches
faith healing
Religion and Witchcraft
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/1581023
Abstract:Zulu Zionists form small-scale curing communities in which reserves of spiritual power, called umoya (air, breath or spirit), are ritually built up and expended to offset the effects of human and mystical agents which afflict the individual. The author distinguishes 'powers' and 'specifics'. 'Specifics' are contingent infusions of spiritual power designed to cope with particular problems. While 'specifics' are exhausted in their application and are thus renewable, powers are permanent and lasting endowments. Some belong personally to gifted individuals, such as prophets; others are attached to the functions of membership or of office within the community. Here is dealt only with the latter category. The powers of status and office are given through a ritual act of conferral. Through the rite of bestowal the limits of conferred powers are defined and linked to the distinctive sets of duties and obligations which are appropriate to different levels of rank and office. What all conferred powers have in common, however, is that they are employed in the manner of weapons. This weaponry resides in items of clothing, staves and flags, and these constitute the media through which powers are transmitted. Notes.
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