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Maramba

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Maran(Us), Prudentius

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an idol of the negroes of Angola, Congo, etc., in Africa. It stands erect over against the temple dedicated to its peculiar service, in a basket formed like a bee-hive. To this divinity the negroes make particular application for success when they go hunting or fishing, and for the relief of such as are sick. Those also charged with crime are obliged to plead their cause before it. In order to do this the accused prostrates himself at the feet of the idol, embraces it with the profoundest veneration, and says, "Behold, Maramba, thy servant is come to justify himself before thee." If the defendant is guilty, he is said to fall dead on the spot. The devotees usually carry little images in small boxes about with them. Maramba always marches at the head of their armies, and he is presented with the first morsel, and the first cup of wine served at the king's table.