ABSTRACT
When a Zande establishes a new homestead he erects in the centre of it a shrine (tuka) to the spirit (atoro or atolo) of his father.2 This consists of a mound of earth into which is stuck a 4-ft. or 5-ft. long stick of sasa or doma wood forked or split at the top, with the ends separated and held apart to form a sort of basket. Before being set up, the stake is rubbed with ashes from the new homestead's first fire and soon after its erection a sacrifice is made at it. A selection of first fruits and the liver of the first animal killed by the homestead head are usually placed in the basket, but otherwise offerings are not made regularly, except perhaps in times of dearth or adversity, or when disease is attributed to the anger of the spirits. Avungara,3 perhaps because their ancestry is of more importance to them, pay more attention to their shrines and usually have offerings made every day.
