Spider Divination Simulation
Having discussed some of the abstract principles we can now use the simulation to put them into practice. Clicking on the buttons at the bottom of the image below allows you first to clear the deck (the button marked "Clear") then to cover the pot while you ask a question (the button marked "Spider"). The third button (marked "Show") removes the lid to reveal the position of the leaves. For the present the fourth button does nothing (it is used on the stand-alone version to record what happens). At the top the "Review" button plays back the log of what happened when this simulation was used with a Mambila diviner during the summer of 1998 (other logs are on file and will be made avaialble in due course). Clicking on an individual leaf will display an enlargement and caption of the leaf.
For those who wish to use this to pick numbers for the British lottery a special option has been added (top right) which restricts the choice to being of 6 cards - you can read the numbers selected on the left hand side.
Disclaimer
: neither Michael Fischer, David Zeitlyn, the University of Kent, the Centre for Social Anthropology and Computing or the ERA Project are responsible for any losses or damage caused by decisions made as a result of using this simulation (it is not, after all, the real thing). We do, however, require a 10% tithe of any profits gained through its use. Clicking the buttons signifies agreement to this.
Note: like most Java applets this runs quite slowly (even on relatively fast machines - as of Summer 1999) - patience is needed particularly when it is starting up!
Note:
Warning (primarily) for Netscape users. Some browsers experience a problem with refreshing the screen as the program runs. Sometimes cards may appear through the cover, and some buttons may apppear not to have been clicked. For example, after selecting 'lottery mode' the checked box may become unchecked as the cards are displayed. This is irritating and misleading - we apologise, and are monitoring the situtaion in the light of browser developments. IN the meantime having checked lottery mode assume that it remains selected. Clicking a second time in the box will certainly unselect it!
The simulation was coded by Michael D. Fischer and Ana-Belen Moya.
Having used the simulation you may want to know more.
We value your feedback! Please fill out an evaluation form on this project
Further on-line reading on Mambila divination:
Zeitlyn, D. 1990. Professor Garfinkel visits the Soothsayers. Ethnomethodology and Mambila Divination. Man (n.s.)
25
(4), 654-66.
Zeitlyn, D. 1993. Spiders in and out of Court or 'the long legs of the law.' Styles of spider divination in their sociological contexts. Africa
63
(2), 219-240.
More about Mambila
Send email to David Zeitlyn
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