A 5.
Igqira elokuvumisa
(A doctor who goes by consent).
Plural—Amagqira Awokuvumisa.
This is a consulting practitioner who does not use medicines. He will find out what the disease is, and directs the patient to a regular practitioner; or he will point out the sorcerer or bewitcher.
The method adopted by this individual is described under Isanusi. He, however, is a specialist in this line. He finds out by getting the people collected around him to Vuma, or consent to various assertions made by himself, and judges by the loudness of their Vuma and clapping of hands, whether he is near the truth or otherwise. See Isanusi.
A 6.
Igqira elamatambo
(The doctor of bones.)
Plural—Amagqira Awamatambo.
This is a class of practitioner chiefly found amongst the Basutos, who pretends to find out things by the manner in which his “Indawuli” (Cape Dutch—Dolossi bones) fall when thrown.
These “Indawuli” may be thus described:—
- 1. Two flat pieces of bone, roughly carved, i.e., the king and queen.[[44]]
- 2. Two others, usually thicker pieces, and of the metatarsus of a calf, also ornamented, i.e., the ox of the king and queen respectively.
- 3. Eight metacarpal bones of sheep, i.e., the common people.
He proceeds thus:—Holding the bones in his hands, held horizontally, with a turn of the wrist, he throws them on the ground as one would throw dice. He looks at their relative position. Should they give no indication he throws again. This time perhaps they lie favourably. The king touches one of the common people, and the queen is looking in that direction. He then proceeds to give his opinion.