a proxy, usually a fowl. A question was posed in spe- 
cialized phrasing to the oracle, after which the poison was 
forced down the throat of the proxy, The answer was 
interpreted from the extent of the poison’s action, i.e., 
whether the chicken died or lived, and if it lived, what 
its actions were. 
This oracle was of supreme importance in the every- 
day lives of the people. Its wisdom was sought before 
every decision of moderate importance. Hence, every 
man kept his store of poison and chickens, for without 
them he was lost. It was his only means of protecting 
himself from all evil, including witches and future bad 
luck. Other tribes had numerous non-poisonous oracles 
to help them in their lives, but the Azande placed com- 
plete faith in his poison oracle. 
The frequency of consultation varied individually, but 
the following is a basic list of situations about which the 
oracle was most often consulted : (Evans-Pritchard, 1987) 
To discover why a wife has not conceived. 
During pregnancy of wife, about place of delivery, about her safety 
in childbirth, and about the safety of her child. 
Before circumcision of a son, 
Before marriage of daughter. 
Before sending son to act as page at court. 
In sickness of any member of family. Will he die? Who is the 
witch responsible? ete. 
To discover the agent responsible for any misfortune. 
At death of kinsman in the old days. Who killed him? Who will 
execute the witch? etc. 
Before exacting vengeance by magic. Who will keep the taboos? 
Who will make the magic? ete. 
In cases of sorcery. 
In cases of adultery. 
Before gathering oracle poison. 
Before making blood-brotherhood. 
Before long journeys. 
A man before marrying a wife. 
Before presenting a prince with beer. 
Before large-scale hunting. 
A commoner in choosing a homestead site. 
[ 294. ] 
