Overview

"How long can traditional religion survive the impact of world religions, state hegemony and globalization? The ""Karamoja problem"" is one that has perplexed colonial and independent governments alike. Now Karamojong notoriety for armed cattle raiding has attracted the attention of the UN as the proliferation of small arms from Sudan to Somalia is deemed a threat to world security. The consequences are ethnocidal, but what makes African people stand out against state and global governance? The traditional African religion of the Karamojong, despite multiple external influences of the 20th century and earlier, has remained at the heart of their culture as it has changed through time. Drawing on oral accounts and the language itself, as well as his extensive experience living and working in the region, Ben Knighton avoids Western perspectives and highlights the successful reassertion of African beliefs and values over repeated attempts by interventionists to replace or to subvert them. Knighton argues that the religious aspect of Karamojong culture, with its persistent faith dimension, was one of the key factors which has enabled them to maintain their amazing degree of religious, political and military autonomy in the postmodern world. Using historical and anthropological approaches, the real continuities within the culture and the reasons for the mysterious vitality of Karamojong religion are explored."

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9780754603832

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Reviews

'... it is a valuable contribution to the growing literature on pastoralism, conflict, environmental scarcity, and religion. Knighton takes a detailed and earnest look at neglected area and draws on a wealth of ecological data, interviews, secondary data, unpublished local sources, and long-term personal experiences. He emphasizes Karamojong's strengths and dignity, which is often grossly underestimated even within their own region, and presents some of their weaknesses realistically. The book will be of particular relevance to those interested in peace building and conflict resolution and the role of the church in Karamojong in Northern Uganda. It includes a rich bibliography, which anyone researching the area would do well to use as a starting point.' African Affairs 'This is an important book. I applaud the author's sympathetic, detailed, and critical study of Karamojong religion. This monograph will be very useful for scholars in anthropology, religious studies, history, cultural studies, and mission studies.' International Bulletin of Missionary Research 'The book is the result of over 20 years of involvement with the Karamojong. The book is ambitious, informative, profoundly sympathetic, well written [...], and the linguistic, historical, and anthropological expertise on show is staggeringly impressive... Knighton's familiarity with other scholars, of both Karamojong and related peoples, is remarkably extensive - and his engagement with them just as robust.' Journal of Contemporary Religion 'Knighton has asembled and analysed a vast amount of primary and secondary data from diverse sources; the text is thick with details, references and footnotes. His use of linguistic analysis to derive meanings and sociohistorical relationships is especially rich and compelling... The Vitality of Karamojong Religion is a valuable book for scholars of African religion and East African pastoralists.' African History 'This is an important book. Amongst its other merits, it has a bibliography of more than 900 items... Many readers will find it interesting, and those who live, work or simply visit Karamoja will learn much from reading.' The Uganda Journal 'The pastoral societies inhabiting Karamoja area in the northeastern corner of Uganda have been the subject of several significant monographs. Knighton continues this tradition by presenting an outstanding study... Knighton's monograph undoubtedly presents a major contribution to our knowledge on the Karamojong and an absolute must for anyone working with the Karamojong and their neighbours.' Social Anthropology 'This is clearly an important book on critical issues affecting not only Karamojong but all pastoralists of Africa. Knighton writes with a remarkable skill and keen sensibility toward Karamojong. By virtue of its analytical strength and breadth, this book is indispensable resource for all scholars of African religions and culture. Those who read it will discover insights within each chapter that will prove valuable in sorting out the complexities of African societies today. Knighton stayed true to his objectives and has presented a well-written book on the vitality of Karamojong religion.' Journal of the American Academy of Religion 'Knighton's book is a significant addition to literature that shatters Eurocentric theories that have attempted to consign African religious beliefs and practices to a premodern sphere. Knighton illustrates how dynamic and enduring African religious lifestyles are, using Karamojong religion as a case in point.' Africa Today 'This is an outstanding study of the three ethnic groups (Karimojong, Jie and Dodoso), which the author collectively refers to as Karamojong. Taking religion as the central theme, he presents a vivid description of a society that operates in a very harsh and uncertain environment. The initial chapters deal with history and basic ethnography. Subsequent chapters deal with the warrior culture, the impact of the introduction of guns, and the complexity of social relationships with territorial sections, matrimonial ties, clan membership, initiation and the intricate generation-set and age-set system. The final chapters deal with sacrifice and mediation, women's affairs and the vitality of Karamojong society.' karamojaclusternetwork.org

'... it is a valuable contribution to the growing literature on pastoralism, conflict, environmental scarcity, and religion. Knighton takes a detailed and earnest look at neglected area and draws on a wealth of ecological data, interviews, secondary data, unpublished local sources, and long-term personal experiences. He emphasizes Karamojong's strengths and dignity, which is often grossly underestimated even within their own region, and presents some of their weaknesses realistically. The book will be of particular relevance to those interested in peace building and conflict resolution and the role of the church in Karamojong in Northern Uganda. It includes a rich bibliography, which anyone researching the area would do well to use as a starting point.' African Affairs 'This is an important book. I applaud the author's sympathetic, detailed, and critical study of Karamojong religion. This monograph will be very useful for scholars in anthropology, religious studies, history, cultural studies, and mission studies.' International Bulletin of Missionary Research 'The book is the result of over 20 years of involvement with the Karamojong. The book is ambitious, informative, profoundly sympathetic, well written [...], and the linguistic, historical, and anthropological expertise on show is staggeringly impressive... Knighton's familiarity with other scholars, of both Karamojong and related peoples, is remarkably extensive - and his engagement with them just as robust.' Journal of Contemporary Religion 'Knighton has asembled and analysed a vast amount of primary and secondary data from diverse sources; the text is thick with details, references and footnotes. His use of linguistic analysis to derive meanings and sociohistorical relationships is especially rich and compelling... The Vitality of Karamojong Religion is a valuable book for scholars of African religion and East African pastoralists.' African History 'This is an important book. Amongst its other

Author Information

Ben Knighton is Dean of the Research Programme, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, UK.

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