Singular.
I-gqira elemishologu.
e-la-imishologu.
The doctor who (is) of spirits.
Plural.
Ama gqira Awemishologu.
A-wa imi shologu.
The doctors who (are) of spirits.
This is a spirit doctor, one who professes to see and be guided by spirits. He is really the (medical) student stage of the “Inanuse,” and has gone through the initiation “Ukutwasa,” only. He has still to pass his “Uku Penleleliva” to become an “Isanuse.” Many, however, remain at this stage, and are recognised as diviners and spiritualists.
A 3. Igqira Eliligogo (e-la-igogo—who is “Igogo?” i.e., and observer. Plural—“Ama-gogo”).
“Igogo,” is a native name for a sort of antelope, which usually, when seen, is gazing or observing.
The title is applied to an individual, who foresees or foretells coming events. Some of them, from continued observations, are very able in estimating chances or judging of future [[42]]events by present and past facts, and so come to have quite a reputation as seers. They will be asked such things as: “Will the rains be early, late or severe? Will the crops suffer from hailstorms? Is an enemy to be expected, when and from where?” They pretend to be told by dreams and visions that which they reveal, and some of them go through forms of incantations, e.g., throwing certain roots on a fire, &c., while using passes and phrases.
As the Kaffir prophets, like other prophets, are often wrong, the term “Igogo” is sometimes used to mean a pretender.
They, as a rule, receive no fees.
A 4.
| Singular. | Plural. |
| Igqira elemilozi. | Amagqira alemilosi. |
| (The doctor of Whistlings). |
“Umlozi” means a whistle or whistling sound. A doctor of whistlings is one who pretends to hear a whistling noise about, e.g., in the roof of the hut, which gives him the instructions required as to which charms, roots, drugs, &c., are good for a certain case, and where to find them. He is a sort of ventriloquist and physician; does not practice surgery; is paid the usual fees; and is usually a Fingo. [[43]]