Abstract
M. VERGIAT, an experienced observer and skilled recorder with the camera of native life and custom in more than one part of Africa, has taken advantage of the opportunity afforded by a botanical excursion to the French Congo to investigate the esoteric beliefs and rites of the tribes of the region. More fortunate than most Europeans who attempt, usually with indifferent success, to penetrate these arcana, he won the confidence of a native sorcerer, who accom panied him when he was collecting botanical speci mens, and passed on to him much of his knowledge. For this indiscretion, it would seem, the informant paid the penalty with his life. In the meantime, however, the author had not only acquired a detailed knowledge of the religious and spiritual beliefs of the people, but also had secured full particulars of the initiation ceremonies and circumcision rites practised at puberty, as well as of the ceremonial of admission into the principal secret societies. His account of the female ceremony of clitoridectomy, which is illustrated by photographs, is exceptionally full. In recording such matters as these, the author no doubt has good reason for making no explicit statement as to how such valuable detailed information was obtained.
Les rites secrets des primitifs de l'Oubangui
Par A.-M. Vergiat. (Bibliothèque scientifique.) Pp. 212 + 32 plates. (Paris: Libr. Payot, 1936.) 25 francs.
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Les rites secrets des primitifs de l'Oubangui. Nature 139, 611 (1937). https://doi.org/10.1038/139611c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/139611c0