witchcraft books

By considering the witch hunt in all of its facets in Ghanaian society, [the author] offers the most in-depth study of witchcraft yet ... Although the author focuses on Ghana, the work suggests that witchcraft- The violence involved is not specific to the country but largely a part of global history, past and present. The wide variety of sources it brings together and the human face it gives to the violence associated with witchcraft are the greatest strengths of witchcraft, witchcraft, and violence. This is a valuable book for undergraduate and graduate students in anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, and African studies.

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The violence of witchcraft is a feature of many contemporary African societies. In Ghana the belief in witchcraft and the evil activities of supposed witches prevail. Alleged witches are blamed for all kinds of adversity, including unexplained illnesses and premature deaths. As in other historical epochs and other societies, the so-called witches in today's Ghana are typically female, old, poor and marginalized.

 

The socialization of children in homes and schools, exposure to the media, and other institutional mechanisms ensure that belief in witchcraft is passed down from generation to generation and prevails over time. This book provides a detailed account of the beliefs and practices of Ghanaian witchcraft and its role in inciting violent attacks against alleged witches by offended individuals and vigilantes.