Benge
Encyclopedia
Benge is the 'Poison Oracle' used by the Azande
of Central Africa, mainly in Southern Sudan, in which a decision is determined by whether or not a fowl
survives being administered a poison. The outcome of the oracle can be taken as law in certain circumstances when a Zande Chief is present. The practice is increasingly rare since colonial times.
Azande
The Azande are a tribe of north Central Africa. Their number is estimated by various sources at between 1 and 4 million....
of Central Africa, mainly in Southern Sudan, in which a decision is determined by whether or not a fowl
Fowl
Fowl is a word for birds in general but usually refers to birds belonging to one of two biological orders, namely the gamefowl or landfowl and the waterfowl...
survives being administered a poison. The outcome of the oracle can be taken as law in certain circumstances when a Zande Chief is present. The practice is increasingly rare since colonial times.