The effects of cosmic forces on human beings in Yira society

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	The effects of cosmic forces on human beings in Yira society
Author:	Katimba, John Kambale
Year:	2011
Periodical:	Journal of Oriental and African Studies
Volume:	20
Pages:	158-167
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Congo (Democratic Republic of) Uganda
Subjects:	Nande Konzo cosmology
Abstract:	This article examines the interaction of cosmic forces and human beings in Yira society, which is made up of two subgroups, the Nande in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Konzo in Uganda. The Yira believe that everything that exists carries a force or is a force in itself. The influence of a force cannot be seen, but it can be felt or noticed from its result. Cosmic forces appear in a hierarchical order, from God the creator, via the ancestors, human beings, animals, plants and minerals to other forces such as rain and wind. Some forces are positive or protective, while others are negative or destructive. The interaction between them is said to be anthropocentric in that it is the responsibility of man to reconcile them and establish an equilibrium. Destructive forces can also be exploited to cause harm, which is seen as sorcery among the Yira. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]