Makonde Witchcraft Spirits (Uchawi)
Among the Makonde of northern Mozambique, witchcraft (uchawi) is a real and powerful tradition involving spirits deployed by malevolent practitioners and by healers. Belief distinguishes inherited witchcraft, learned sorcery, and spirit-chosen witchcraft; the power is used to harm or to protect, and accusations are adjudicated by traditional courts, maintaining social order.