The Zande, whose homelands lie within three modern African states (Republic of the Sudan, Zaire, Central African Republic), constitute a large and complex amalgam of originally distinct ethnic groups, united by culture and, to a considerable extent, by political institutions and by language. Because they originated in kingdoms founded by conquest, however, some scattered enclaves of earlier peoples still speak their original languages. The traditional cult of domestic ancestor shrines required no specialized priesthood. Matters of witchcraft and magic have always been determined by part-time specialists/practitioners. Witch doctors, who were trained in the use of magical medicines, operated at public seances; Nagidi are believed to derive their power directly from God and are, for day-to-day purposes, consulted in private. Ceremonies. The most important ceremonies were formerly witch doctors' seances. One or more witch doctors, in colorful ceremonial dress, would dance and sing to musical accompaniment before commencing their divination. The circumcision of pubescent boys also forms part of an elaborate series of ceremonies; others were associated with initiation into the (now defunct) magical-medicine associations.

Additional Tags

counties and their cultures, culture of south sudan, south sudan, zande, originally distinct ethnic groups, united by culture and, to a considerable extent, by political institutions and by language

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Classroom Considerations

• Knovation Readability Score: 1 (1 low difficulty, 5 high difficulty)
• The intended use for this resource is Instructional