itola, noun
- Forms:
- Also with initial capital.
- Origin:
- IsiXhosaShow more IsiXhosa (plural amatola).
historical
In traditional Xhosa society: a war-priest or diviner. See also witchdoctor.
1844 J. Backhouse Narr. of Visit 230These are distinct from the persons who profess to be makers of rain; and from others who are called Amatola, or in the singular Itola, who practise augury by burning certain roots.
1937 B.J.F. Laubscher Sex, Custom & Psychopathology 34Apart from the ama-tola or war priests, who do not exist any more, there are still to be found the awe-mvula or rain makers...The various grades of native doctors existing today can be adequately classified as follows: 1. Amatola or Isanuses: Diviners, [etc.].
a war-priest or diviner.
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