pacify:

To end fighting or violence.

palanquins:

Covered platforms or seats carried on poles on the shoulders of two or four men.

pan-ethnic association:

An organization found in all ethnic groups in the area.

panoply:

A striking and splendid display.

pantheon:

All the gods of a people.

pantomime(s):

The telling of a story without words, by means of bodily movements.

paradox:

An assertion or observation that seems contradictory although is still true.

paramount:

Supreme in rank, power, or authority.

paramountcies:

Things high in rank, power, or authority.

partake:

To take or have a part or share; participate.

parturition:

The act or process of giving birth.

pastoralist(s):

Someone associated with the country or country life; an animal herder.

paternal:

Relating to one's father.

patrilineal:

Dealing with the ancestral descent through the father's line.

patrons:

Sponsors or benefactors.

parables:

Simple stories illustrating moral or religious lessons.

pendulous:

Hanging loosely.

penitent:

Feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds or sins.

periphery:

The outside, border, or boundary.

permanence:

The quality or condition of being permanent.

permutations:

Complete changes or transformations.

perpetuation:

The prolonging the existence of something or someone, or giving cause to be remembered.

perseverance:

Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness.

personify(ied)(ies):

To represent a thing or an idea in the form of a person. Also, to be the perfect example of an idea; war as evil personified.

pestilence:

Serious disease.

phallic:

A form relating to or resembling a penis.

phenomenal world:

The world in which things are perceptible to the senses.

pilgrimage:

A journey to a sacred place or shrine.

pirouette:

A full turn of the body on the point of the toe or the ball of the foot.

pivot:

A person or thing on which something depends or turns.

placate(d)(ing):

Pacified or appeased.

plait(ed)(ing):

To braid.

pluck:

Resourceful courage and daring in the face of difficulties.

poignancy:

Neat, skillful, and to the point; relevant. Also, agreeably intense or stimulating.

polychrome:

Multicolored.

post-menopausal:

The period following the cessation of menstruation, usually happening between the ages of 45 and 55.

potent occult:

Strong ability to use the powers of the gods, spirits, or ancestors to make things happen.

potentialities:

The possibilities for growth, action or response.

potsherd:

A fragment of broken pottery, especially one found in an archaeological excavation.

pragmatic:

Practical.

precepts:

Rules describing a particular course of action or conduct.

precolonial:

Time before European countries extended their governments and rule over African nations. For example, 'precolonial Angola' refers to the era before Portugal governed Angola.

preeminent:

Superior to all others; outstanding.

prenatal:

Existing or occurring before birth.

prerogative(s):

An exclusive right or privilege held by a person or group.

primal:

Being the first time, or of greatest importance.

primordial:

Happening first in sequence of time; original.

profane:

Nonreligious in subject matter, form, or use; secular.

profess:

To claim skill in or knowledge of. To affirm belief in.

profusely:

Plentiful.

progenitor(s):

A direct ancestor, an originator, or a founder.

progressively:

Moving forward in steadily increasing amounts: as in progressively more difficult.

prohibitions:

Laws or orders forbidding certain actions.

promethean:

Relating to or suggestive of the mythical character Prometheus. Boldly creative and original.

prominent:

Immediately noticeable.

propensity:

Tendency.

prototypes:

An original form that serves as a model for later forms.

provenance:

Place of origin. Also, proof of authenticity or of past ownership.

proverb(s):

Short sayings in widespread use that expresses a basic truth: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

providence:

Care or preparation in advance; foresight. The care, guardianship, and control exercised by God; divine direction.

providers of continuity:

Women insure the future by bearing children and nurturing their families.

proximity:

Being near or close.

pulverize(d)(ing):

Pounded, crushed, or ground into a powder or dust..

punctual death:

The idea of permanent death. For many African people, the dead communicate and assist the living.

punitive:

Inflicting or aiming to inflict punishment; punishing.

pustules:

Small inflamed elevations of the skin that are filled with pus; pimples.

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