- Cagn & an Afterlife - Self-Mutilation -

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Self-Mutilation

The Bushmen have a strange form of mutilation. They cut of the first joint of their little finger. Some groups do this on their left and some on their right fingers. By doing this they would ensure themselves a life of feasting in the afterlife.

The Bushmen living in the area of the Orange River (river running through the central region of South Africa) had a legend of a place called Too'ga on the banks of the river. The legend told that this is where they will go in the afterlife. They believed that by cutting of the joint of their little finger they will be ensured an easy journey into the afterlife. This would serve as a passport to get through many obstacles in their way. If you neglected to perform this ritual you would have a very hard journey and you had to walk on your head. If you arrived at Too'ga you'd only have flies to live on and won't have the opportunity to feast like the other people.