Cebuano Sorcery: Malign Magic in the Philippines - Scholarly

In this review of Cebuano Sorcery: Malign Magic in the Philippines, readers looking for a serious anthropological treatment will find the clearest reason to buy: it is a careful, case-based account of persistent sorcery beliefs in Cebuano society. Richard W. Lieban draws on decades of fieldwork to present 111 case studies and historical comparisons that illuminate how barang sorcery and enchanted insects are perceived and feared across generations. This review focuses on the book's strengths for scholars, students, and culturally curious readers who want grounded evidence over speculation.

Key Features

• Extensive fieldwork: The author uses primary research conducted in Negros and Cebu City to give readers firsthand ethnographic detail.
• Case-study approach: 111 individual case studies provide concrete examples that make patterns of belief and practice visible.
• Historical comparison: The book juxtaposes contemporary cases with Spanish colonial-era accounts to show cultural continuities.
• Focus on barang sorcery: Detailed attention to the feared practice involving enchanted insects clarifies a central element of regional belief.
• Thematic depth: Discussion of how modernization, colonialism, and Western medicine intersect with sorcery beliefs deepens readers' understanding.

Who It's For

Scholars of anthropology, history, and Southeast Asian studies will appreciate the rigorous documentation and long-term perspective; the book is suitable as a supplemental text for university courses that examine witchcraft, medical beliefs, or Philippine cultural history. Graduate students conducting research on belief systems or folklore will find the case studies especially useful for comparative work.

Readers seeking a light read or an introductory overview without detailed documentation should look elsewhere, as the tone and structure are scholarly rather than popular. Those wanting a broad survey of Philippine religion without a tight ethnographic focus may find this work narrower in scope.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well-documented fieldwork lends credibility and depth to the descriptions of local practice.
• The 111 case studies make abstract concepts tangible by showing how belief operates in real situations.
• Comparisons with historical records reveal continuities that challenge assumptions about rapid cultural change.

Cons

• The scholarly style and density of case material may be dense for general readers seeking a concise overview.

Specifications

Title	Cebuano Sorcery: Malign Magic in the Philippines
Author	Richard W. Lieban
Region studied	Negros and Cebu City, Cebuano region
Primary subject	Barang sorcery and enchanted insects
Method	Ethnographic fieldwork and historical comparison
Case studies	111 documented cases

Our Verdict

Cebuano Sorcery is a valuable, well-researched book for specialists and serious students interested in how sorcery persists amid social change. Its extensive case studies and historical framing make it good value for anyone seeking an evidence-based account of barang sorcery rather than a sensationalized treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book rely on firsthand research?
Yes. The author draws on fieldwork conducted in Negros and Cebu City to present ethnographic evidence.

How many case studies are included?
The book contains 111 case studies documenting contemporary and historical accounts.

Is the book suitable for general readers?
It is written in a scholarly style and is best suited to students and researchers rather than casual readers seeking a light introduction.