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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Bored Stones, Lithic Rings and the Concept of Holes in San Shamanism
Author:Lombard, M.
Year:2002
Periodical:Anthropology Southern Africa
Volume:25
Issue:1-2
Pages:17-27
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:San
magic
archaeological artefacts
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Religion and Witchcraft
Anthropology and Archaeology
Abstract:Bored stones, in their various shapes and sizes, are an enigma in the prehistoric material culture of South Africa. Most previous interpretations are unsatisfactory and/or problematic and more recent interpretations almost all include the possibility of ritual use. This paper explains how bored stones and lithic rings could have functioned as objects of shamanism, ritual and symbolism within the communities of the Later Stone Age of southern Africa. It also refers to the fact that these artefacts are used in a ritual context among local agropastoralist communities, who were known to value San shamans for their curing and rainmaking abilities. The study is based on local and international ethnography connecting bored stones with San shamanism, as well as recent microscopy performed on lithic rings from four different sites north of the Vaal River. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]
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