Difference between revisions of "Witch doctor"
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| + | A [[witch doctor]] | ||
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Called a [[Toordokter]] in [[Afrikaans]], | Called a [[Toordokter]] in [[Afrikaans]], | ||
| − | The word can have two related meanings, and for this reason there are two terms in Nguni for this, namely a [[Sangoma]] (referring to a diviner) or an [[Inyanga]] (a herbalist) in Nguni languages. | + | The word can have two related meanings, and for this reason there are two terms in Nguni for this, namely a '''[[Sangoma]]''' (referring to a diviner) or an '''[[Inyanga]]''' (a herbalist) in Nguni languages. Called a '''[[Toordokter]]''' in [[Afrikaans]], |
Revision as of 12:23, 15 January 2024
Called a Toordokter in Afrikaans,
The word can have two related meanings, and for this reason there are two terms in Nguni for this, namely a Sangoma (referring to a diviner) or an Inyanga (a herbalist) in Nguni languages. Called a Toordokter in Afrikaans,
Firstly it may refer to a diviner (Sangoma), someone with psychic and prophetic powers, a practitioner of ceremonial magic, utilizing a system of occult techniques for healing and spiritual development in an individual and/or community, also used to promote and or social cohesion. In this sense the "witch doctor" was a powerful and influential member of society, in the same way a court magician or shaman may have been in other cultures.
Secondly, and more commonly today, refers to a herbalist (Inyanga) and traditional African healer, who may or may not also have psychic and prophetic powers.
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