Liberia ■^■ 



The decoction made from the bark of the Erythrophl.rHm 

 tree is usually pounded by the local medicine-man or one 

 of his assistants (a female). It is quite conceivable that the 

 medicine-man is not adamant against bribery, and that he may 

 so deal with the strength of the liquor that it ranges under 

 his preparation from a deadly and certain poison to a mere 

 emetic. Also he may be guided in his discretion not only 

 by a bribe or absence of bribe, but by a personal conviction, 

 or the reverse, of the guilt of the accused. It is almost 

 impossible in native society to avoid recourse to the poison 

 ordeal when one is accused of witchcraft or any other crime. 

 The alternative is to flee for one's life, and take refuge beyond 

 the reach ot one's accusers. The medicine man or woman 

 who conducts the ordeal may know or hope that so-and-so 

 is not guilty ot the charge, and may persuade them to stay 

 on for the ordeal with a wink and a nudge as to the certainty 

 of a favourable result. 



According to Mr. Gow, who made careful observation 

 of the Sikon people behind the Kru coast, there are three 

 stages in the ordeal in that part of Liberia. If the person 

 undergoing the ordeal dies almost immediately from the draught, 

 that is clear evidence of his or her guilt, and the matter is 

 ended, except that the body is probably burnt for a witch. ^ 

 \^^ however, death does not ensue, but the patient remains 

 horribly ill, the medicine-man administers another kind of 

 emetic, which relieves the system of the poison. After this, 

 the " non-proven " accused is advised to leave the village 

 and find a habitation elsewhere. But if after drinking " sass- 

 wood " the patient immediately vomits, he is clearly not guilty, 



' In some parts of Liberia a further test is applied to secure final evidence 

 ot guilt or innocence. The spleen of the accused is cut out and thrown in water. 

 If it sinks, it is clear the dying person is a witch ; if it floats, the accused is innocent, 

 and dies without a stain on his or her character. 



1066 



