shrine worship

We went to visit a traditional shrine at a small village yesterday, against the wishes of our friends here in Ghana. Our tour guide explained that shrine worship has been practiced since ancient times, and although most people in Ghana identify as Christians or Muslims, many people still visit shrines. Our friend felt that the shrine was only evil magic meant to harm, like voodoo. We walked into a house that had a courtyard in the middle surrounded by small rooms. Our guide led us towards a tiny dark room connected to the courtyeard, perhaps three feet by four feet. In it was a concrete structure like a table, with cowrie sheels embedded into it. Many implements hung on the wall behind it, such as a coconut shell, a knife, and a picture of the priest who had built the shrine. Below the table was a small hole into which one could insert papers with wishes on them. Our guide said that since the beginning, they have believed that the spirits on ancestors are still among us, and at shrines we can communicate them. A traditional priest first rings a cow bell in order to notify the spirits that someone has come to talk. If the spirits had been wandering they come back. The worshipper then explains the reason for coming. Perhaps they are hoping for love, for a baby, to get a particular job or entrance to a school. the priest then consults the oracle by tossing magical objects, and spirits speak through these objects, telling the priest what to do. the priest then explains to the worshipper what the spirits said. Perhaps the worshipper will need to visit someone or do a certain ritual, or bring an offering of alcohol or food. We were fascinated, but were not allowed to take pictures at all.