Mwanagori Cave is a limestone karst cavern that lies on the road between Jambiani and Makunduchi, close to Shuungi. The cave is inset within a limestone cliff and is surrounded by a small grove that has been deemed sacred. The entrance to the cave is narrow and require sure-footedness, and is partially screened by rows of boulders. The ritual significance of this cave and the antiquity of human use is evidenced by the the deep wearing and polishing of the stones leading into the cave. Within the cave, in a dark recess lies a pool of fresh water, near which a spirit or Shetani is supposed to reside. The word "Shetani" is etymologically linked with the Arabic word "Shaitan" ("satan/demon"). This places Mwanagori squarely in the Zanzibari pattern in which caves with a pool/spring of fresh water are considered sacred due to the presence/residence of spirits known as Shetani. In Zanzibari practice, the shetani are venerated even though the population of the island is overwhelmingly Muslim. The syncretic nature of Swahili Islam allows for the practice of pre-/non-Islamic religious traditions by local Muslims. Mwanagori Cave is cared for by the local community, and has a healer known as an mganga (pl. waganga) in charge of the rites performed there. The rites and rituals performed by the mganga at Mwanagori remain secret, just as they are at other caves on Zanzibar. However, evidence for the practice of rituals at Mwanagori exists in the form of offerings left for the Shetani. These offerings often take the form of food, drink, and incense. There is also a tradition of tying strips of cloth (especially white and red) to the trees near the cave. This practice is akin to what takes place at the nearby Kuumbi Cave, which is also managed by an mganga and is visited by the pious among the local community, who arrive to leave offerings of food, incense, and cloth. The rituals and rites conducted in caves like Mwanagori are considered part of the intangible heritage of Zanzibar, but they are increasingly under threat from the ...