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shaman's song, which relates the individual past to the group's common history (1967:181201). |
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Devisch's query as to whether "Yaka society shorn of divination would still remain Yaka society" is not mere rhetoric but an essential statement of a society's dependence on divination. Indeed, Batammaliba society depends on divination for maintenance of its health system. The Pagibeti huntand thereby the whole societyrelies on the suprahuman knowledge gained from the hunting oracles, which also restate basic values. As already noted, the Lobi totally depend on the guidance provided by the thila, who only communicate through divination. And as Yaka social fabric is repaired through the revelations of a divination session, that most important dimension of social harmony is restored. |
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Thus the practice of divination providesindeed, requiresthe reunification of social units through collective recounting of personal and group history and the reviewing of behavioral standards in light of a contemporary dilemma. In the end, not only has the community reunited to resolve a problem; it has revitalized its history and traditions as well. |
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See reference list at end of main introduction. |
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