CONTENTS

PAGE

[Preface] 3

[Introduction] 7

PART I

[NATURAL RELIGION]

[Introductory]19
CHAP.
I. [Spirit Beliefs] 27
II. [Sacrifice] 40
III. [Sacred Stones or Village Shrines] 69
IV. [The Firstfruits of Harvest and Planting Ceremonial] 73
V. [Circumcision Ceremonial] 77
VI. [Death and Burial Ceremonial] 97
VII. [The Curse and its Manifestations]—
(a) [Thahu and its connection with circumcision rites, etc.]103
(b) [Purification and blessing]134
(c) [The dying curse] 145
VIII. [Superstitions regarding Children and Women] 154

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PART II

[MAGIC]

CHAP.PAGE
[Introductory]165
I. [The Guild of Smiths in Kikuyu and Ukamba] 167
II. [The Evil Eye] 177
III. [Kikuyu Magic and Magicians] 184
IV. [Miscellaneous Magical Practices] 192

PART III

[MISCELLANEOUS]

CHAP.
[Introductory] 207
I. [The Constitution and Working of Councils] 209
II. [Laws of Compensation for Murder] 230
III. [Ceremonial Oaths] 239
IV. [War and Peace] 244
V. [Miscellaneous Customs and Beliefs] 250
VI. [Legends] 262
VII. [Dances] 266
VIII. [Women as Factor in Tribal Organisation] 274
IX. [Some General Remarks] 281
X. [East Africa after the War] 286

[L’Envoi] 303

[Glossary] 305

[Index] 309 [[15]]

[[Contents]]