ABSTRACT
Divination has certain affinities with the judicial process, for it is vitally concerned with the customs and interests of persons in complex social situations. But it also prepares the way for the more rigidly standardized processes of redressive ritual. It is this mediating function that determines the cognitive and flexible qualities of its symbolism. Divination and redressive ritual are stages in a single process that is peculiarly sensitive to changes, and especially breakages, in the network of existing social relations. Since they are 'naturally' so closely involved with the micro-history of contemporary groups and personalities, they must be treated theoretically in conjunction with these. Divination is a phase in a social process which begins with a person's death or illness, or with reproductive trouble, or with misfortune at hunting. Informal or formal discussion in the kinship or local group of the victim leads to the decision to consult a diviner.
