Why did the Zande seek oracular confirmation before important undertakings?

Among the Zande people, the frequent use of divination and oracles is deeply integrated into their social and logical framework. The Zande do not consider any important undertaking without first seeking oracular confirmation because these practices serve as a vital mechanism for decision-making and the legitimation of actions.12

By consulting an oracle, the Zande are able to explore their own thoughts, define the nature of a crisis, and name the source of their anxieties. In their culture, an individual who ignores these established resources is viewed as acting arbitrarily, whereas one who heeds the oracle’s guidance requires no further justification for their choices. Ultimately, these practices provide a rational system of causation, allowing the Zande to navigate life with confidence by transforming uncertainty into clear, socially accepted decisions.123