Photo by: Rev. R. H. Kirkland
A Libinza Charm for Protecting a Village
Spirits causing sickness have been driven out of the patients into this hut, where food is thrown to them. The sticks forming the walls are dyed red, and ornamented with yellow spots. The elegance of the hut and the daily sprinkling of food help to make the spirits contented with the place.
“I suppose,” I said, “you will stand near the spear, or put the spear in a lot of grass.”
“No,” he replied, “I will stick my spear on the bank by the river, and I will sit here.”
“Very good,” I answered; “I will give you five hundred rods if you do it.”
“I can do it in my town,” he asserted, “but not here.”
“All right,” I said; “I am coming to visit your town next Sunday, and will bring the rods with me.” But when I went to the town at the appointed time, Makwata was not there; he had, however, left me a message to say that he would bring his spear up to Monsembe and do the wonderful performance there.
Several weeks passed away, and while talking to some natives on the verandah of my house I saw Makwata pass, so I called to him and asked if he had brought his talking spear, for the 500 rods were ready.
“No,” he replied, “I have not brought my spear.”
Turning to my native companions I said: “Your witch-doctors will never do their tricks before me, although I offer them many brass rods; but my wife and I will do a trick before you without payment. I will put three articles on the verandah, my wife shall go into her bedroom, and when she comes out she will tell you which article you touched.”