title: Priests before healers--an appraisal of the iSangoma or iSanusi in Nguni society.
abstract: The total role of the iSangoma or iSanusi within the Nguni culture in Africa is discussed. The importance of the religious and social functions and divinatory powers are emphasized in an endeavour to determined the bases for the therapeutic capacities associated with the so-called 'traditional healer'.
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American; D044383:Black People; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D006801:Humans; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012380:Role; D012927:Social Control, Informal; D013019:South Africa