Hypnotism, Magic or Sorcery Among Yoruba’s – Circumstantial Craft for Ages: An Anthropological Worldview

Abstract

In Africa, hypnotism, magic or sorcery, also known as the craft of the wise, altogether called witchcraft are referred to as nefarious. They are known for using cunnings to inflict pain, cause sickness or kill people. They are also used to bring pandemonium into a community, In Africa, hypnotism, magic or sorcery concerns people gifted or who acquired certain inherent metaphysical vigor for self-will. It has to do with one’s vested interest, to manipulate other people’s kismet to achieving evil ends without the use of material trinket. Savants on African Traditional Religion had opined differently on the above subject matter. Following the widespread abstractions of discussion which raises different academic brouhaha, we therefore, found ourselves at logger head of academic postulations, it is better to study the dyad as it appeared from each ethno-religious group. The aim of this exploration, however, is to systematically arrange findings among Africans with the aim of proving that the twosome in Africa cannot be treated under one parasol as erroneously believed previously. Experts have had their opinions on the subject matter but could not locate the discourse properly. Using autochthonous knowledge to unravel the conundrum, data were collected and collated from interview and observations to clarify and validate relevant findings. Discoveries revealed Africa hypnotizers using material objects to inflict disaster on their supposed victims while magic or sorcery operate under highly clairvoyant spiritual powers devoid of physical baubles. Although the activities of the duo are anti-social and unwarranted on Africa soil but still persist. Key words: Hypnotism, Magic, Sorcery, Religion and Yoruba. Word count: 250

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