Publisher: Cambridge University Press
E-ISSN: 1750-0184|62|1|38-58
ISSN: 0001-9720
Source: Africa: The Journal of the International African Institute, Vol.62, Iss.1, 1992-01, pp. : 38-58
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Abstract
Among the Kapsiki/Higi of the Mandara mountains the division between black-smith and non-smith pervades society. Blacksmiths dominate technical and ritual specialisations—including the forge—and through their association with death are considered dirty. One way in which this opposition is expressed is through the definition of smell.