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Abstract

In Southern Africa, human body parts are sometimes used for medicinal (muti) purposes. The human body is seen as being very powerful. Although ritual killing for this purpose is not common, some cases have been reported. This paper reports on an unusual muti murder, where the remains of two individuals were found in a medicine man's house. Three pots were found, two of which were constructed around human skulls. Various objects, such as coins, bullets, stones, human and animal bones were found inside the pots. They were decorated with beadwork, whistles, skin bangles, etc. Osteological analysis revealed that the human remains probably belonged to a young, white adult male individual, and a juvenile individual of Negroid descent. All associated objects probably have ritual significance, and some of these are discussed.

Details

Title
Muti murders form South Africa: A case report
Author
Steyn, M.
Pages
279-287
Publication year
2005
Publication date
2005
Publisher
Elsevier Limited
e-ISSN
18726283
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
1033316276
Copyright
© 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd