Abstract

Both Banen and Mambila in Cameroon use spiders in divination. The intellectual practice of the divinatory technique is related to the different sociological contexts of divination. Relative freedom of interpretation and the posing of questions overnight among the Banen correlates with its political unimportance. Conversely among the Mambila the interpretation of the diviner is rule bound, and many simple questions may be asked in quick succession. The results provide important evidence in the chief’s court. Social context and intellectual content are each constrained but under-determined by the other.