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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 52

Religion

page 40

Religion.

I could never detect the existence of any form of religion amongst these tribes—that is to say, a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being; and I am borne out in this by statements obtained by many others who have had the opportunity of earning their habits. They believe firmly in the existence of a spirit or being whom they call "devil-devil," but each tribe has a name of its own for it. This "devil-devil" is held in great dread by all, and bears a very bad character among them. He is thoroughly cruel and vindictive, sparing no one, young or old, who happen to come within his reach. He is ever on the watch to entrap any straggler, and whilst he haunts many lonely places during the day, he is everywhere at night. This devil has been variously described. He is supposed to have innumerable eyes and ears, so as to enable him to see and hear anything without the trouble of turning his head, &c.; he runs very fast, and having long sharp claws, few escape his grasp.

One reason given by the blacks for changing their camp so frequently is for the purpose of evading this amiable spirit. They think that the "devil-devil" is certain to discover their position after a few days, so that by moving off suddenly and making a rapid journey to a distant part of their domain he will be nonplussed for a time.

Some very old men have the credit of having had personal encounters with this fiend and of coming off victoriously. It is needless to say that these men are held in great reverence by the younger members of the tribe. Of course this belief is encouraged. These old men claim the power of controlling the elements, and will stamp, spit, and harangue some imaginary spirit during a squall of wind or rain.

Many persons try to persuade themselves that they can detect the existence amongst these natives of a true religion and a knowledge of a Supreme Being, but they forget that these blacks are extremely shrewd, so that when they perceive the object of the conversation they readily adapt all that they have been taught on this subject to their replies.

I have always found that the rigmarole stories which many of them have told me, and which are supposed to represent their religious belief, were founded upon the teachings of missionaries and others.