We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
ALCHIMIE, TALISMAN ET SAVOIR MYSTIQUE EN AFRIQUE DE L'OUEST.
- Authors
Moumouni, Seyni
- Abstract
Alchemy, as an expression of an "abstract" and "popular" culture, practised in the underworlds of professionals (craftsmen, magicians, healers, pharmacists, etc.), has not as yet drawn much attention of Africanist scholars. Making use of hitherto available data, the aim is to show the importance of alchemy in the history of Africa to the South of the Sahara. Data from written sources and information collected on the mystical knowledge will be analysed to show the practice of alchemy and the techniques of development of the magic formulas. As to the source of the doctrines it is certain that alchemy, being of divine essence, proceeds from the knowledge of the prophets who hold the keys to them and communicate them to their followers. Like their Eastern and Maghrebian colleagues, West African alchemists, while islamising and arabising themselves, enriched the practice of alchemy with knowledge coming from different civilisations. The aim is to identify old and current spiritual perspectives for these magico-syncretistic practices constituting the common heritage of the religious culture.
- Subjects
AFRICA; ALCHEMY; MAGIC -- History; ARABIC manuscripts; ISLAMIC literature; TALISMANS; GEOMANCY; RELIGION
- Publication
Asian & African Studies (13351257), 2010, Vol 19, Issue 2, p351
- ISSN
1335-1257
- Publication type
Article