The word conjurer is often used to describe someone in African religion who possesses unusual powers of discernment based on the manipulation of objects. Although the term is usually applied to men, such as “the conjure man,” it can equally apply to women who have the ability to perform extraordinary deeds.

Often the term is used for someone with power who practices African religion in the Americas. It was a favorite description during the enslavement for a particularly spiritual person who, because of his reflection and meditations, often in the woods or mountains, could foretell the future, heal the sick, cause the lame to walk, and put obstacles in the way of one's enemies. In this regard, the conjurer man was of considerable importance to African ...