equatorial Africa
Studies on the iboga cults. VI. The divinatory practices
By: GIORGIO SAMORINI – This section on the cults of the hallucinogenic iboga plant of equatorial Africa first presents a general overview of divinatory practices, including those using mirrors or other reflective surfaces (catoptromancy). Follows the presentation of the African nganga, understood as a witch-doctor. The principal divinatory rites using iboga are then presented, including…
Studies on the iboga cults VII. The traditional Bwiti
Apindji, bwiti, equatorial Africa, Equatorial Guinea, gabon, hallucinogenic plants, Mitsogho, Nkomi, Tabernanthe ibogaBy: GIORGIO SAMORINI – This section on the cults of the hallucinogenic iboga plant of western equatorial Africa describes the traditional Bwiti religious cult, that is, the one not syncretic with Christianity. The traditional Bwiti is widespread among at least twenty ethnic groups in Gabon, and the most studied is the Bwete of the Mitsogho.…
Studies on the iboga cults. IV. The ethnobotanical complex
By: GIORGIO SAMORINI – In this contribution on the cults of the hallucinogenic plant iboga of equatorial Africa, a definition of ‘ethnobotanical complex’ associated with the ritual use of a visionary plant is first given. The main intoxicant sources that revolve around the cults of iboga, specifically the religious cult of Bwiti, are then presented.…
Studies on the iboga cults. III. Iboga and Bwiti mythology
By: GIORGIO SAMORINI – In this third contribution to the study of the cults of the hallucinogenic plant of iboga of Equatorial Africa, the themes concerning the mythical origins of the plant and of Bwiti—the religious cult that uses iboga as a visionary agent—are presented and analysed. Distinction is made between the mythological themes of…
Studies on the iboga cults. I. The ancient documents
By: GIORGIO SAMORINI – The hallucinogenic plant Tabernanthe iboga is used as a source of visions by various ethnic groups of western equatorial Africa in the context of a complex system of religious, therapeutic and divinatory practices that can collectively be defined as ‘iboga cults’. The most renowned are the religious cults known as Bwiti.…
Studies on the iboga cults. II. Missionary and colonial mystifications
bwiti, cannibalism, Christian missions, Colonialism, equatorial Africa, hallucinogenic plants, human sacrificesBy: GIORGIO SAMORINI – In this second contribution towards the study of the traditional uses of the hallucinogenic plant iboga in equatorial Africa, some aspects are exposed regarding the formation of false clichés of missionary and colonial origin which have influenced and indoctrinated the same natives, to the point of convincing them of the reality…