witchcraft

The alleged possession and exercise of magical powers – black magic if used with evil intent, and white magic if benign. Its origins lie in traditional beliefs and religions. Supposed practitioners of witchcraft have often had considerable skill in, for example, herbal medicine and traditional remedies; this prompted the World Health Organization in 1976 to recommend the integration of traditional healers into the health teams of African states.

The Christian church persecuted witches in Europe between the 15th and 17th centuries and in North America (see Salem). The last official execution of a witch in Europe was that of Anna Goddi, hanged in Switzerland in 1782. Obi is the witchcraft of black Africa imported to the West Indies, and includes Christian elements; voodoo is a similar practice.

By the time of the Reformation in Europe, witchcraft, perhaps originating in a combination of pre-Christian beliefs and Christian heresies, had assumed the form of a secret society allegedly organized in covens, or groups of 13 members. Witches could be of both sexes, but the leader of a coven was always a man. It is unlikely that there were many people who believed in the cult by this time and it had become merely a convenient religious and political scapegoat. As members of a secret society, ‘witches’ could easily be denounced on charges of treason, heresy, or demonolatry.

Sorcerers differ from witches in that they use mechanical means to achieve their aims (fetishes, potions, or charms); witches are often thought to cause misfortune by the mere fact of their existence. Legitimate ritual specialists such as healers and shamans may have considerable power, wealth, and status in their community, and are easily accused of abusing their powers for their own interests.

During the civil war in Angola 1975–91, women were burned alive as witches by UNITA forces. In South Africa in 1994, at least 100 people accused of witchcraft were killed, and many others forced from their homes.