ABSTRACT
There is the knowledge of the 'man in the street' as against that possessed by men whose profession bears on matters religious and mystic—the priests of certain cults; diviners who might be consulted when witchcraft is suspected; cigbeciži who traffic in medicines which 'look like witchcraft'; and Mohammedan scholars who take a general interest in the subject. This chapter argues that in the case of neurotic or near-pathological individuals ordinary vindictiveness may turn into the desire to destroy and kill at random, which is precisely the desire witchcraft fantasies would satisfy. It concludes that the position of leadership among the women who practise a trade or profession is apt to be identified with power of witchcraft, as the whole market organization of the women is in a sense identified with the fantasy organization of witches. The Nupe expect their anti-witchcraft magic only to keep down witchcraft, 'so that it would not be too bad'.
