Cebuano Sorcery

Cebuano Sorcery: Malign Magic in the Philippines offers an in-depth exploration of persistent sorcery beliefs and practices in the Cebuano region of the Philippines, shedding light on their cultural significance amidst centuries of social transformation. Drawing on extensive fieldwork conducted in Negros and Cebu City, the book examines the enduring presence of barang sorcery—a feared magical practice involving the use of enchanted insects to harm others. By comparing contemporary cases with historical accounts dating back to the Spanish colonial era, the author reveals striking continuities in these beliefs despite the region's exposure to colonialism, modernization, and the rise of Western medicine. Through 111 case studies, the book investigates how sorcery remains a critical lens through which Cebuanos interpret illness and social conflict.

This study not only documents the mechanisms and cultural context of Cebuano sorcery but also delves into its dynamic interaction with modernity. It examines the competition between folk and modern medicine, highlighting how traditional practices persist or adapt in urban and rural settings affected by varying degrees of social change. By focusing on the intersection of medical and social factors, the book provides valuable insights into the role of magical beliefs in shaping human perception and behavior across cultures. It is both a compelling ethnographic account of Cebuano sorcery and a significant contribution to the broader understanding of witchcraft and social conflict in developing societies.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1967.