Search the World's Largest Database of Information Science & Technology Terms & Definitions
InfInfoScipedia LogoScipedia
A Free Service of IGI Global Publishing House
Below please find a list of definitions for the term that
you selected from multiple scholarly research resources.

What is Juju

Handbook of Research on Present and Future Paradigms in Human Trafficking
The term juju as practiced by African Traditional religious priests can be defined as “the utilization of supernatural forces to impress on the natural.” The juju priest performs a specific ritual in order to invoke this power. This ritual involves the collection of items from the woman, the slaughtering of animals, and the solemn vow to repay the debt owed for being transported to Europe or any destination. Above all, the women are also made to swear that they will not speak of this to anyone. In many cases, the use of juju within the ritual is also presented as a petition to the god for prosperity and success. Only later does its power become a source of fear, as she attempts to leave the horror of her situation.
Published in Chapter:
Oath-Taking and the Role of African Traditional Religion in Human Trafficking
Rahina Muazu (Harvard Divinity School, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-9282-3.ch010
Abstract
There is relatively little empirical research into the supernatural enforcement of an agreement between two parties through the swearing of ritual oaths before a deity that belongs to the African traditional religion cosmology. An emerging but vibrant body of qualitative work has explored different aspects of ritual oath-taking as a method of control used by certain traffickers to keep their victims in perpetual bondage. Employing the epistemological sources of tradition, reason, experience, and community's interpenetration and interpretation, this study demonstrates that traffickers are simply utilizing commonly held beliefs and practices within ATR to exploit their victims and encourage human trafficking. Findings reveal that despite the current trends toward civilization, globalism, and modernity, the role of the spiritual realm in human affairs (human trafficking) bound with the high place given to ritual and symbolism remains critical in trafficking enterprise in the African worldview, regardless of the religious affiliation.
Full Text Chapter Download: US $37.50 Add to Cart
eContent Pro Discount Banner
InfoSci OnDemandECP Editorial ServicesAGOSR