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Wealth-Giving Magic in Present-Day South Africa: Sorcery, Spirits and Deadly Seductions

  • 11/01/2022
  • 18:00-19:30
  • Online talk

Khotso Sethuntsa (1898-1972); photo by permission Daily Dispatch

Prof. Felicity Wood (University of Fort Hare, South Africa) talks about a South African form of wealth-giving magic, “ukuthwala”, believed to involve ownership of a dangerous spirit, “mamlambo”

Online talk, Tuesday 11 January 2022, 18:00-19:30

This talk discusses the practice of ukuthwala, a dangerous, powerful procedure for long-term wealth, believed to involve the ownership of a wealth-giving spirit known as the mamlambo, which lavishes wealth on its owner, but at a terrible price. The genesis of ukuthwala is discussed, as are the reasons why this practice became widespread in South Africa, and why it is prevalent today. The means by which someone can become the owner of a wealth-giving mamlambo are described, along with the consequences of this.

Next, this paper considers the nature of the mamlambo, the forms that this being is said to adopt, and the changes these have undergone in contemporary times. It also explores the reasons why the figure of the mamlambo continues to arouse so much fascination and fear.

Tickets £5.00 (£3.00 Folklore Society members with Promo Code: Sign in to the Members’ Area to find the Promo Code). Book via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wealth-giving-magic-in-present-day-south-africa-tickets-228342547707

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