The award-winning dissertation sheds light on witchcraft between religions and traditions among the Yoruba people
Dr Judith Bachmann received the DVRW Dissertation Award 2023 at the annual conference of the DVRW (German Association for Religious Studies) on 25 September 2023. This award recognises her outstanding work and commitment in the field of religious studies. The award-winning dissertation entitled “Witchcraft in Nigeria between Christianity, Islam and Traditional Practices: Global Entanglements and Local Positionings among the Yoruba” is a significant contribution to the study of religious practices in Africa and beyond.
About the book:
Title: Witchcraft in Nigeria between Christianity, Islam and Traditional Practices: Global Entanglements and Local Positionings among the Yoruba
Author: Dr Judith Bachmann
Year of publication: 2021
Length: 496 pages, paperback
Price: 99,- €
ISBN: 978-3-8487-8034-1
Series: Bayreuth Studies in African Politics and Societies | Bayreuth Studies in African Politics and Societies, Vol. 8
About the study: Dr Judith Bachmann’s dissertation provides a ground-breaking look at the issue of witchcraft in Africa. Based on extensive ethnographic data, it analyses the perspectives of Muslim, Christian and traditional Yoruba communities on witchcraft in contemporary Nigeria. Various aspects are analysed, including the public perception of witchcraft, religious influences and gender relations in the context of these practices.
A particular focus is placed on the historical development of Yoruba witchcraft, which is contextualised as a local position within a global debate on witchcraft. This work is of great importance for researchers and interested parties from the fields of ethnology, sociology, religious studies, political science, theology and development cooperation. Dr Judith Bachmann, research associate at the University of Heidelberg, brings her expertise and passion for the study of religion in Africa to this groundbreaking work.
