Religion and the Dramatisation of Life

Spirit Beliefs and Rituals in Southern and Central Malawi

Though Malawi in general, and the areas described in this book, are predominantly Christian, traditional religion is still an important reality, beside and within Christianity in Malawi. Matthew Schoffeleers, a Montfortian missionary priest and social anthropologist, addresses here aspects of African tradition religion, with a particular focus on spirit possesion. Both in its individual importance and in its territorial importance. Of the six papers collected in the book two deal with rain cults, which for centuries have played a central role in the political and religious life of Malawi, two with territorial spirit mediumship and two with cults of affliction.

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