ABSTRACT
The supernatural beliefs of the tribes of this group appear to share a basic pattern. There is generally a “ high-god " of otiose type but no further pantheon and no true shrines. There are beliefs in impersonal spirits and in the power of ancestors. Approach to the supernatural is through fetishes, through secret societies with special powers, and through doctors who are able to deal with certain malevolent effects of the supernatural. There appear to be no true priests. Belief in various forms of witchcraft is very prevalent, and in some tribes is the dominant feature of the supernatural. There are also beliefs in amulets, omens, and the possession of animal doubles. Evidence for the interrelations of these beliefs in different tribes is found the glossary of concepts provided by Ittmann (1953) which shows also that the hinterland tribes of the so-called “ Bakundu Group " share many of these features. In general the following description is confined to the system of the Kpe, except where otherwise stated.1
