Ancestor Worship: The Religion of Africa

by Paul K. Williams

Drums beat their monotonous single-beat rhythm announcing another ceremony of the sangomas (one of the Zulu words for "witch doctor"). Onlookers, both curious and devout, gather as the sangomas begin their ritual dance. Dressed in skins, feathers and beads they go through various gyrations, calling on the ancestors and working themselves into a state where they can commune with the spirits.