Ghana, 1961. Unveiling the Truth About Juju: A Firsthand Account. We witnessed a scene that defied conventional understanding: a man, seemingly fallen or 'buried' in some ritualistic sense, with another individual attempting his revival using an assortment of cords and charms. This was our introduction to the world of juju, guided by an elder named Akakpovi Atandji. Akakpovi, with a serene reverence, held a curious object in his hand. He then poured a glass of sorabi, a local liquid, onto its tip.
Image Number: APN260575

APN260575

Title: Drum Magazine social history photographs, Ghana edition 532 Description: Ghana, 1961. Unveiling the Truth About Juju: A Firsthand Account. We witnessed a scene that defied conventional understanding: a man, seemingly fallen or 'buried' in some ritualistic sense, with another individual attempting his revival using an assortment of cords and charms. This was our introduction to the world of juju, guided by an elder named Akakpovi Atandji. Akakpovi, with a serene reverence, held a curious object in his hand. He then poured a glass of sorabi, a local liquid, onto its tip. "If all the sorabi goes into this stick," he declared, "then the juju will work." We watched, perplexed, as the stick, despite having no visible hole, completely absorbed the entire glassful of liquid. Akakpovi's face lit up with satisfaction. His explanation of the juju's power was even more chilling. "You see this padlock here?" he began, holding up a small, old lock. "If I mention your name right now and lock it, you will die before the sun sets today." He continued, describing another equally potent curse: "If I take your spit from the ground and put it in the hole [of the lock] and lock it, your jaw will lock immediately; you will never talk again." This encounter offered a stark glimpse into the beliefs and practices surrounding juju, where seemingly impossible feats and dire consequences are attributed to the power of these spiritual objects and rituals. It certainly left us questioning the boundaries of the known world. Country: Ghana Date Created: 02-08-1961 Creator: Drum Social Histories Credit Notice: Drum Magazine photographer / Drum Social Histories / Bailey's African History Archive / african.pictures Keywords: