Azande Witchcraft

Azande Witchcraft refers to the belief system of the Azande people, an ethnic group in Central Africa, where witchcraft (mangu) is seen as an inherent and natural force that explains misfortunes, illnesses, and negative events. Anthropologist E.E. Evans-Pritchard’s extensive studies revealed that witchcraft among the Azande provides a framework for understanding causality, morality, and social control. According to Azande beliefs, witchcraft is a physical substance that resides in individuals, usually passed down through heredity. It is often held responsible for inexplicable misfortunes, and rituals or consultations with oracles are employed to identify the witch. Sociologically, Azande witchcraft serves as a mechanism for maintaining social order, reducing conflict, and managing anxiety in the face of uncertainty.